The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, has taken a firm stance against the increasing leakage of sensitive official documents.
Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan emphasized the need for permanent secretaries to expedite the transition to a digital workflow system to mitigate the embarrassment caused by these leaks.
A stern warning was issued, stating that any civil servant caught leaking documents would face severe consequences in accordance with relevant regulations.
The memo tagged HCSF/3065/VI/189 reads, “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.”
This move comes in response to recent public outrage over leaked memos disclosing financial allocations and plans by government committees, prompting calls for investigations by Civil Society Organisations and organized labour.
