The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, has warned against the increase in lawsuits, which she said was as a result of lack of proper administrative procedures in the termination of appointments of civil servants.

She stated that permanent secretaries and chief executive officers of government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies, who fail to handle disciplinary cases leading to avoidable court cases, would be held liable.

Yemi-Esan made this known in a circular dated December 6, 2021 and addressed to all permanent secretaries, heads of agencies and parastatals.

In the circular with reference number HCSF/3065/Vol.1/125, Yemi-Esan noted that there had been court cases arising from the dismissal and termination of appointment of staff members without proposer administrative procedures.

It stated, “It has been observed with great concern that there is an increase in court cases arising from the dismissal and termination of appointment of staff without proper administrative procedures by some MDAs. This has led to avoidable litigation leading to court judgements against the government with huge consequential financial burden.

“In most cases, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation is joined as a defendant in the litigation instituted by the aggrieved staff (members) or their unions. The consequential appearances by the legal officers deplete the limited resources of the office.

“In the light of the above development, all MDAs are strongly advised to follow due process in handling staff matters, especially disciplinary cases. As you are aware, there are useful extant rules, regulations and guidelines that guide disciplinary processes.

“Henceforth, permanent secretaries and chief executive officers, whose poor handling of disciplinary matters leading to avoidable court cases, consequential financial implication and embarrassment to the government, shall be personally held liable.”