FG introduces tougher payroll rules, blocks unverified enrolments

The Federal Government has introduced stricter checks for newly recruited civil servants, barring them from the federal payroll until they complete mandatory documentation and eligibility checks, The PUNCH reports.

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) announced the directive in a statement on Monday by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Bawa Mokwa.

The measure takes immediate effect and is part of reforms to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

Under the new rules, Ministries, Departments and Agencies must submit recruitment approvals, appointment letters and supporting documents to the OAGF. These will be checked against salary structures, grade levels, and pension and tax records.

Each agency’s accounting officer, HR and finance directors and payroll validating officer must then endorse the records, and the Accountant-General will give final approval.

The OAGF said records with incomplete documents or unresolved discrepancies would be put on hold, and that officials who break the rules would be held accountable.