Nigeria’s Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, has confirmed that an investigation to identify civil servants who are still receiving salaries after relocating abroad is ongoing.

Walson-Jack also insisted that the government remains committed to ensuring those who have moved abroad in search of better opportunities are no longer benefiting from the system.

She made the statement at an event in Abuja marking her 100 days in office and a review of her tenure in the civil service.

This development comes five months after President Bola Tinubu ordered that civil servants who continue to receive government salaries after relocating abroad must refund the money.

The president also instructed that supervisors and department heads responsible for enabling such fraudulent practices be held accountable.

Walson-Jack confirmed that the investigation is still underway, and they are using the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to track workers’ movements.

She said, “You are asking about civil servants who may have ‘Japa’. We know that the issue was raised, and some verifications were carried out. Since then, some returned quickly, while others retired honourably.

“Right now, we are continuing the process, scrutinising the IPPIS payroll to identify those who are still in the country and those who are not. This will be an ongoing process to ensure that people cannot receive salaries while living abroad.”

She added, “Some progress has been made, and we will continue to monitor the situation until it is fully addressed.”