This includes government officials in all ministries departments and agencies, paramilitary and intelligence agencies.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr Zainab Ahmed, disclosed this to State House Correspondents after this week’s Council meeting, chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

According to Ahmed, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, presented the memo to the council and approved insurance package will cover all government officials.

She said “The Head of Service of the Federation presented a memo to Council on Group Life Insurance Cover for the period 2022 to 2023. This is an insurance cover that is covering all government officials in all government agencies, paramilitary and intelligence agencies.

“Council approved the total sum of N9.24bn naira for the insurance cover for 2022 to 2023.

“As you know, the insurance will take effect from the date of payment and in Nigeria, by our laws, the insurance cover is 30 per cent of the annual emolument of any staff of government that is deceased and this cover is paid by the insurance company to the beneficiaries of the deceased staff”, she said.

The government in a circular, titled ‘Unauthorised circulation of official documents/information on social media’ marked HCSF/3065/Vol.1 /94, disclosed that any officials caught doing so will be dismissed.

The circular was signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan.

Yemi-Esan said her office would be relying on the provisions of the Public Service Rules 030401 and 030402 in dismissing those who continue in what she described as the “reckless action” and “unwholesome practice.”

The circular read, “The attention of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has been drawn to the incessant unauthorised disclosure of official documents/information on social media platforms.

“The unwholesome practice involves posting/reposting of secret, confidential and classified government correspondences, policy drafts, minutes, notes, memos, etc., on social media.

“This reckless action is tantamount to a breach of the Oath of Secrecy public servants swore to, and a serious misconduct which may lead to dismissal from the service, as provided in the Public Service Rules 030401 and 030402.

“Henceforth, any officer caught posting/reporting government documents on social media and other platforms without authorisation would be severelv disciplined in accordance with the provisions of the PSR.

“This circular, therefore, reinforces the earlier circular on the subject, Ref. No/ HCSF/109/S.l/120 dated May 22, 2020 and other extant regulations prohibiting unauthorised publishing of official documents.

“Permanent Secretaries and Heads/Chief Executive Officers of extra-ministerial departments are to bring the content of this circular to all staff for compliance.”

The warning is coming after the meeting between the federal government and organised labour, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), ended in a deadlock.

The meeting was then adjourned until Monday, after both sides failed to reach an agreement over the resolution of the dispute on increase in petrol price and electricity tariffs in the country.

Labour unions have, however expressed their readiness to begin nationwide industrial action and protest from Monday over the recent hike in fuel price and electricity tariff.

But the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, in a circular dated September 25, 2020, asked those civil servants still working not to take part in the industrial action.

The circular titled “The Nigerian labour unions planned industrial action” was addressed to all ministers, permanent secretaries, as well as heads of government’s agencies and parastatals.

The circular read: “Sequel to the call by the Labour Unions for workers to embark on industrial action from Monday, 28th September, 2020, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), wishes to inform all public servants that the Federal Government team is currently engaging with the Labour Unions with a view to resolving all contentious issues and avert the planned industrial action.

“Furthermore, it is important to note that there is a court injunction granted by the National Industrial Court (Suit No. NICN/ABJ/253/2020) on 24th September, 2020 restraining the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria from embarking on any form of industrial action pending the hearing and determination of a Motion on Notice.

“Accordingly, all officers on Grade Level 12 and above and those on essential services are hereby strongly advised to be at work to perform their official duties.

“Permanent secretaries and chief executive officers are therefore enjoined to bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all concerned officers and ensure strict compliance.”