‘Very Embarrassing To Govt’ – FG Warns MDAs Against Leaking ‘Sensitive Official Information’

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Federal Government has warned Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) against the leakage of sensitive official information and documents.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, made the warning in a circular signed on Monday, February 19, 2024.

The circular was sent to MDAs about a week after a leaked memo showed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the sum of N500 million for the inauguration and funding of the 37-man Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage.

The approval generated anger from Nigerians on social media who argued that the amount was a waste of taxpayers’ money.

In the circular to civil servants, Yemi-Esan lamented the “increase in the cases of leakage of sensitive official documents” in MDAs, describing the situation as embarrassing to the government.

The HoS, who threatened to “severely” deal with officers caught leaking sensitive information, directed all Permanent Secretaries to fast-track the migration to the digitalised workflow system to reduce physical contacts with official documents.

“It has been observed with dismay, the increase in the cases of leakage of sensitive official documents in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA). This is very embarrassing to the Government and therefore unacceptable,” the HoS wrote.

“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 (ECM) Solution. This will reduce physical contacts 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 circular therefore reinforces the circular on “Unauthorized Circulation of Official Documents/Information On Social Media” Ref. No. HCSF/3065/Vol. 1/94, dated 2nd August, 2021; and other regulations prohibiting unauthorized disclosure/leakage of official documents.

“Permanent Secretaries are to ensure strict compliance with the contents of this circular and draw the attention of the Heads of the agencies under their supervision to same.”