Buhari ‘deeply concerned’ about N293bn debt to retired civil servants

Winifred Oyo-Ita, head of the civil service of the federation, says she inherited N293 billion outstanding workers’ claims on assumption of office in October 2015.

However, while speaking with the press in Abuja on Monday as part of activities to mark this year’s civil service week, she said the federal government was doing everything possible to ensure payment of the allowances to the beneficiaries.

“The issue was presented to the president and he expressed deep concern and immediately directed the finance minister to address the situation,” Oyo-Ita said.

“The payment would have been made but for the resource constraints of government. Efforts are at advanced stage to prioritise the payment process.”

She stated that her office was working with the office of the accountant-general of the federation on a phased payment formula that would be concluded in due course.

She said the federal government was aware of the challenges of civil servants, and making efforts to address them from different fronts.

“It is our hope that with the improvement in the economy, consideration would be made to ensure that civil servants are paid desirable wages in line with the prevailing economic situation.

“We are exploring the possibility of implementing a programme that will provide bulk payment of rent allowance to civil servants within a fiscal year,’’ she said.

Oyo-Ita also said that efforts were being made to clean up the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), as many suspicious names have been identified in the system.

“Some workers are currently being investigated by the EFCC for involving in unwholesome recruitment process in the service,” she said, assured the civil servants that the federal government had no plans for retrenchment.

“We would rather ensure an improved civil service, enthrone an efficient, independent and citizen-centred civil service that the public can hold accountable for the workings of government.”

Oyo-Ita added that measures were being put in place to ensure that at the point of entry, civil servants go through induction course as it is done in the military and some other organisations.

As part of activities to mark the week, Buhari is expected to recognise some civil servants for their service to the country.