In response to recent leaks of sensitive official documents, the Federal Government has announced punitive measures to address the issue and prevent further breaches of confidentiality.
The leaks, which included memos containing official information related to the presidency, sparked public outrage and criticism from various quarters, including citizens, civil society groups, organized labor, and the opposition.
One leaked document, originating from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, disclosed plans to allocate N500 million for the launch of the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage, contrary to the initially proposed N1 billion.
To combat this trend, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, issued a memo on February 19, warning all civil servants against leaking and circulating official information and documents.
The memo, labeled HCSF/3065/VI/189, was posted on the website of the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation. It highlighted that any officer found engaging in such acts would face severe punishment in accordance with the Public Service Rules and other relevant laws.
“It has been observed with dismay, the increase in the cases of leakage of sensitive official documents in Ministries, Departments and Agencies. This is very embarrassing to the government and therefore unacceptable.
“As part of the efforts to curb this undesirable development, all permanent secretaries are to fast-track the migration to the digitalised workflow system, and ensure effective deployment of the Enterprise Content Management Solution.
“This will reduce physical contact with official documents thereby checking the increasing incidence of leakage and circulation of same. Furthermore, permanent secretaries are advised to strongly warn all staff against leaking and circulating official information and documents.
“Any officer caught engaging in such unbecoming act will be severely dealt with in line with the relevant provisions of the Public Service Rules and other extant circulars.”
Yemi-Esan emphasized the urgent need for all Permanent Secretaries to expedite the migration to a digitalized workflow system and ensure the effective deployment of the Enterprise Content Management Solution.
In her statement, Yemi-Esan expressed dismay over the increase in cases of document leaks within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, describing the situation as embarrassing and unacceptable to the government.
The implementation of digitalized workflow systems aims to reduce physical contact with official documents, thereby curbing the incidence of leakage and unauthorized circulation. Permanent Secretaries were instructed to strongly caution all staff against such misconduct.
