The Federal Government of Nigeria has implemented tougher screening procedures for workers seeking entry into its payroll system. This move follows a significant rise in personnel expenditure to N1.96 trillion in the first quarter of 2026. The new directive requires Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to establish the employment records of newly recruited staff before adding their names to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation introduced these measures to strengthen salary administration and prevent irregularities in government payroll records. Under the revised procedure, government agencies must provide evidence of recruitment approval, appointment letters, and any relevant employment waivers before requesting payroll registration. They must also submit employees' pension information, including their Pension Fund Administrator details and identification numbers.
The verification process requires endorsements from the Accounting Officer, Director of Human Resources, Director of Finance and Accounts, and an appointed Payroll Validating Officer. The Accountant-General must grant final approval before any newly recruited employee can receive a place on the federal payroll. This stricter process aims to ensure that only properly documented employees enter the government's payment system.
The government warned that missing documents, conflicting information, or other irregularities could delay salary registration. Officials who disregard the prescribed procedures may also face disciplinary consequences. This move signals a renewed effort to monitor federal salary payments and curb irregularities in the payroll system.
Federal expenditure on salaries and related obligations climbed from N1.82 trillion in the first quarter of 2025 to N1.96 trillion in the corresponding period of 2026. This represents an increase of N133.94 billion, or 7.35 per cent, within one year. Government spending on infrastructure and other capital projects stood at N1.69 trillion during the same period.
The financial report showed that the Federal Government generated N5.08 trillion in revenue during the quarter, while personnel expenses accounted for 38.56 per cent of the amount. Debt servicing consumed another N4.63 trillion, equivalent to 91.18 per cent of actual revenue, while the government's fiscal deficit reached N4.69 trillion.
The tighter payroll screening comes amid growing concerns about government spending on personnel. Personnel costs are approximately N267 billion higher than government spending on infrastructure and other capital projects. The government's efforts to monitor and control personnel costs are crucial in ensuring transparency and accountability in its financial dealings.
Key points
- The Federal Government introduces stricter payroll verification to curb irregularities amid rising personnel costs.
- Personnel costs rose to N1.96 trillion in Q1 2026, a 7.35% increase from the same period in 2025.
- The government generated N5.08 trillion in revenue during Q1 2026, with personnel expenses accounting for 38.56% of the amount.
