OAGF announces new IPPIS rules for federal government payroll

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has initiated the overhaul of payroll procedures under the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS). This change aims to bolster accountability, transparency, and efficiency in managing personnel records and the federal government payroll. Bawa Mokwa, a spokesperson for the OAGF, announced the new measures, stating that ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) must take on greater responsibility for handling their personnel budgets and personnel lists.

A more rigorous validation process has been introduced for new recruits entering the federal government payroll. No newly hired employee can be enrolled without first being added to the MDA's nominal roll and meeting all required validation and eligibility standards. MDAs must submit formal requests for payroll admission to the OAGF, complete with necessary recruitment approvals, appointment letters, waivers, and other pertinent documents.

These documents, along with employee records, salary structures, grade placements, steps, allowances, and financial entitlements, will undergo comprehensive review.

The validation process also encompasses statutory details, such as Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) information, pension identification numbers, National Housing Fund (NHF) registration, tax records, and more. This thorough examination ensures precise deductions and punctual remittances. After the OAGF's initial validation, employee records are sent to the appropriate MDA for confirmation and endorsement by key officials, including the Accounting Officer, Director of Human Resources, Director of Finance and Accounts, and designated Payroll Validating Officer.

Once these steps are satisfactorily completed and approved by the Accountant-General of the Federation, the individual is admitted to the federal government payroll.

The OAGF has instructed all Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Agencies, and other relevant personnel to uphold strict adherence to these new requirements. Any payroll admission requests with incomplete documentation or unresolved discrepancies will be postponed until all stipulated conditions are met. Officers in charge of processing and approving payroll admissions will face consequences for any breaches of the relevant rules and regulations.

This directive becomes effective immediately and applies to all existing and future payroll admission processes for newly recruited federal government employees.