By Ojemudia Blessing Njideka
Anxiety has emerged among civil servants in Delta State following an ongoing staff verification exercise reportedly involving operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) across several government offices.
The exercise, which began in recent days, has reportedly been conducted in key institutions including the Office of the Head of Service, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Pre-Audit Office, and the Office of the Deputy Governor.
While some officials have described the process as a routine verification exercise, several civil servants said they were not initially aware that the screening was being conducted by EFCC operatives.
Sources within the state civil service disclosed that workers were directed to present academic and employment credentials for verification. However, concerns arose after it became clear to some staff that the officials involved were linked to the anti-graft agency.
A civil servant attached to the Deputy Governor’s Office, who requested anonymity, said many workers believed the exercise was an internal administrative screening coordinated by the Office of the Head of Service.
“We submitted our credentials thinking it was a routine exercise. It was only after labour issued a statement that many realised EFCC officials were involved,” the source said.
The development has triggered discussions across the state workforce, with some employees expressing unease over the lack of prior notice and official communication regarding the purpose and scope of the exercise. However, other workers have urged calm, calling for patience pending official clarification from relevant authorities.
The Delta State chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) confirmed they were not formally briefed before the exercise commenced.
In a joint statement titled “EFCC Screening of Delta State Public Servants: Workers Are Advised to Cooperate,” the unions urged civil servants to remain calm and cooperate with officials conducting the verification.
The statement, signed by NLC State Secretary Comrade Enekhawore Acrobat and TUC State Secretary Okafor Henry, noted that organised labour had requested clarification on the objectives, procedures, and expected outcomes of the exercise. The unions reaffirmed their commitment to protecting workers’ rights, while urging transparency and due process in the conduct of the verification.
They further cautioned that any process affecting public servants must respect dignity, avoid intimidation, and adhere to established administrative procedures.
As the exercise continues, stakeholders have called for official clarification to address growing concerns among workers and ensure transparency in the process.
At the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued an official statement on the matter, while spokesperson Dele Oyewale was yet to respond to enquiries. Labour leaders, however, assured that they are monitoring developments and engaging relevant authorities to ensure the exercise is conducted fairly and professionally.
