The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, has taken decisive steps to prevent the leakage of sensitive official documents to the public, citing recent embarrassing incidents.
Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, issued a memo dated February 19, 2024, addressing the concerning trend of document leaks within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
In the memo tagged HCSF/3065/VI/189, Yemi-Esan expressed dismay over the increasing cases of leaked official documents, deeming it unacceptable and detrimental to the government’s integrity.
“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,” the memo stated.
“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.”
