Nigeria’s salary bill hits N1.96tn as FG tightens verification

The Federal Government has tightened payroll verification requirements after personnel expenditure climbed to N1.96tn in the first quarter of 2026, exceeding capital spending by approximately N267bn.

The Federal Government has introduced stricter payroll verification measures as personnel expenditure rose to N1.96tn in the first quarter of 2026.

According to The PUNCH, personnel costs increased by N133.94bn, representing 7.35 per cent, from N1.82tn recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation announced the new requirements on Monday, directing Ministries, Departments and Agencies to verify newly recruited workers before payroll enrolment.

The directive takes immediate effect under the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System.

“Henceforth, no newly recruited employee shall be enrolled without first being captured on the nominal roll of the relevant MDA and satisfying all prescribed validation and eligibility requirements,” the office stated.

Government figures showed that personnel spending exceeded capital expenditure of N1.69tn by approximately N267bn during the quarter.

Agencies must submit recruitment approvals, appointment letters and supporting documents for verification before workers receive final payroll clearance from the Accountant-General of the Federation.

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