The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, has commenced moves to ensure that official government documents classified as sensitive are not leaked to the public.
Jerrymusa.com reports that in a memo dated February 19, 2024, and posted on the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation website, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, stated that the government has been embarrassed by the leaks of these documents and that they are therefore no longer acceptable.
“It has been observed with dismay the increase in cases of leakage of sensitive official documents in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies,” the letter labelled HCSF/3065/VI/189 states. “This is inappropriate since it embarrasses the government greatly.
Digitalized Workflow System as a Solution
“All permanent secretaries are required to expedite the transition to the digitalized workflow system and guarantee the efficient implementation of the Enterprise Content Management Solution as part of the endeavours to curb this unwanted growth.
“This will lessen direct physical contact with official papers to curb the growing rate of document leaks and distribution.
“Permanent secretaries are also urged to severely caution all employees against disseminating and leaking government papers and information.
“Any officer found engaging in such an unworthy act will face severe consequences under the applicable Public Service Rules provisions and other current circulars.”
Secret government documents have been leaked into the public domain more frequently in recent years.
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