The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, is taking steps to prevent the leakage of sensitive official government documents to the public.
Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, expressed concern in a memo dated February 19, 2024, posted on the office’s website.
The memo, labeled HCSF/3065/VI/189, highlighted the growing problem of leaked documents in government ministries, departments, and agencies, which is considered embarrassing and unacceptable.
“As part of the efforts to curb this undesirable development, all permanent secretaries are to fast-track the migration to the digitalized 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.”
There has been a recent increase in the leaking of sensitive government documents to the public.
One leaked memo from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, revealed plans to allocate N500 as allowances to members of the tripartite committee on minimum wage set up by the Federal Government.
Another leaked memo, allegedly from the office of the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, discussed a significant amount of money to be allocated as subsidy for Hajj.
These memos have sparked outrage among Civil Society Organisations and organized labor, who are demanding investigations into these allocations.
