FAKE AGENCIES: FG TIGHTENS CONTROL OVER CIVIL SERVANTS’ TRANSFERS

The Federal Government has introduced tighter controls on the movement and redeployment of civil servants across Ministries, Departments and Agencies as investigations into fake government agencies and weaknesses within the public service intensify. The directive requires relevant authorities to approve the movement of officers from recognised professional pools before such transfers can take place.

The measure was issued through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation as the administration of President Bola Tinubu continues its efforts to address irregularities within the Federal Government’s personnel and institutional systems. The government is particularly concerned about cases involving fictitious agencies, ghost workers and weaknesses that could allow individuals to manipulate public-service structures.

Under the new directive, Ministries, Departments and Agencies are expected to obtain approval from the appropriate authorities before moving officers out of established professional pools. The measure is intended to improve accountability in the deployment of personnel and prevent unauthorised movements that could undermine the integrity of the civil service.

The development forms part of a wider government response to findings concerning fake agencies and ghost workers. President Tinubu had earlier directed a comprehensive forensic audit of government systems, including the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, federal agencies and their internal controls. The audit is expected to determine the extent of the weaknesses and establish how they may have been exploited.

The Federal Government is also examining payroll, personnel, pension and financial management systems as part of the broader review. Officials are expected to reconcile reported cases of ghost workers, examine how fictitious or ineligible persons were enrolled and assess the controls surrounding government personnel records.

The latest restriction is therefore expected to strengthen oversight of civil servants and reduce opportunities for abuse within the federal workforce. Authorities have indicated that the wider reforms will continue as the government works to identify irregularities, improve institutional controls and ensure that public resources are directed towards legitimate government operations.