In a renewed effort to eliminate ghost workers and streamline its payroll system, the Federal Government has issued a stern directive to all civil servants to complete their identity verification on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) platform by February 17, 2025. Naija247news gathered that this latest move underscores the government’s commitment to sanitizing the civil service and ensuring accountability in public funds management.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Naija247news understands that the verification exercise, which involves biometric data capture and authentication of credentials, is aimed at identifying and removing unqualified or non-existent employees from the government’s payroll. The exercise is also expected to help in updating the personnel database and improving the efficiency of salary administration.
According to Naija247news, the directive was contained in a circular issued by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF). The circular, which was widely circulated among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), emphasized the importance of compliance and warned of dire consequences for those who fail to meet the deadline.
“Naija247news reports that the circular explicitly stated that any civil servant who fails to complete the IPPIS verification by February 17th risks being removed from the payroll system. This measure is intended to serve as a strong deterrent against fraudulent activities and ensure that only legitimate workers receive government salaries,” a source within the OAGF told Naija247news.
This is not the first time the government has embarked on such an exercise. Naija247news recalls that similar verification drives were conducted in the past, but they were often marred by logistical challenges and resistance from some civil servants. However, Naija247news gathered that the current exercise is being implemented with renewed vigor and determination, with the government deploying advanced technology and robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure its success.
The government’s resolve to tackle the issue of ghost workers is driven by the need to curb waste and free up resources for critical development projects. Naija247news understands that billions of naira are lost annually to fictitious employees who draw salaries without rendering any services. By eliminating these fraudulent entries from the payroll, the government hopes to save substantial funds and channel them towards more productive ventures.
The IPPIS verification exercise is also expected to improve the integrity of the civil service and enhance public trust in government institutions. Naija247news reports that the government is committed to building a transparent and accountable civil service that is driven by merit and performance. The ongoing reforms, including the IPPIS verification, are aimed at achieving this goal.
As the February 17 deadline approaches, Naija247news will continue to monitor the progress of the verification exercise and provide updates on any developments. We will also bring you reactions from civil servants and other stakeholders on this important initiative.
