The Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has taken decisive measures to improve the integrity and efficiency of Nigeria’s civil service. Over the past year, the OHCSF has identified and removed approximately 1,618 officers from the Integration Personnel Payroll and Information System (IPPIS) due to their possession of illegal and counterfeit employment letters. This significant action was disclosed by Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, during a media parley as part of the 2024 Civil Service Week celebrations.
Dr. Yemi-Esan explained that rigorous physical verifications conducted by various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) were instrumental in reducing the bloated civil service workforce. Initially, the workforce was inflated with over 100,000 personnel. However, these meticulous checks have now verified and streamlined the number to a more accurate count of 69,308 employees currently on the payroll. This effort not only underscores the commitment to transparency but also ensures that public funds are allocated to genuine employees.
Addressing the pervasive issue of corruption within the public service, Dr. Yemi-Esan emphasized the collaborative efforts between the OHCSF, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This alliance aims to root out and eradicate corrupt practices. She pointed out that the introduction of welfare initiatives, particularly low-interest housing schemes, plays a crucial role in deterring corruption. By offering such benefits, the government reduces the financial temptations that might lead civil servants to engage in unethical behaviors.
“We work closely with ICPC and EFCC to curb corruption, even when we have not been able to verify allegations of corrupt practices in the service,” Dr. Yemi-Esan stated. She further elaborated, “We endeavor to divert the attention of civil servants from engaging in corrupt practices by providing welfare packages like housing schemes with a single-digit interest rate. These welfare packages have helped to reduce the temptation for civil servants to engage in corruption.”
Furthermore, Dr. Yemi-Esan highlighted the successful deployment of a whistleblower scheme designed to encourage individuals to report corrupt activities anonymously. This scheme allows reports to be made through online platforms or directly to the OHCSF, ensuring that whistleblowers can provide critical information without fear of retribution.
In addition to combating corruption, the Head of Civil Service underscored the ongoing digital transformation efforts across various ministries. She mandated that all MDAs must achieve full migration to digital processes by the end of 2025. Despite the significant progress made, she expressed concerns over the resistance encountered from certain MDAs and segments of the general public in embracing these necessary reforms. The digital transformation is intended to enhance efficiency, reduce paperwork, and foster a culture of accountability within the civil service.
The OHCSF has streamlined its operations to eliminate reliance on hard copy correspondence. Now, all official communications are managed exclusively through digital channels, reflecting a commitment to modernization and efficiency. Dr. Yemi-Esan noted that this shift is part of a broader strategy to create a more transparent and accountable public sector.
She also reaffirmed the Tinubu-led administration’s dedication to modernizing Nigeria’s civil service. The administration’s commitment to transparency and efficiency is expected to mark a pivotal step towards a more effective and accountable public sector, fostering public trust and improving service delivery.
In conclusion, the actions taken by the OHCSF, under Dr. Yemi-Esan’s leadership, reflect a comprehensive approach to reforming Nigeria’s civil service. From removing fraudulent employees to implementing welfare initiatives and driving digital transformation, these efforts are geared towards creating a more transparent, efficient, and corruption-free public service. The continued collaboration with anti-corruption agencies and the push towards full digital integration demonstrate a robust commitment to long-term improvement and accountability within the civil service.
