OAGF Refutes Salary Deduction Claims, Urges Media to Verify Facts

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has urged stakeholders, particularly media organizations, to always verify and confirm facts before making public statements that could mislead the public or damage the reputation of government institutions.

OAGF, in a statement signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Bawa Mokwa, explained that the clarification became necessary following a recent broadcast by Brekete Family, a programme on Human Rights Radio 101.1 FM, Abuja, which reported alleged salary deductions involving staff of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada.

Setting the record straight, the OAGF noted that eighty-five (85) UATH staff had earlier instituted a case at the FCT Area Court, Bwari, against Hi-Breed Consults Services, Baxxmort Construction Company, and twenty (20) Microfinance Banks (MFBs) over unauthorized deductions from their salaries.

In line with a court order issued in favour of the employees, the then Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, met with the Brekete Family team where it was agreed that all further deductions should be suspended from February 2025, pending the conclusion of the substantive matter.

To enforce this decision, the OAGF directed all implicated MFBs to halt deductions. However, two institutions Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) and REGENT Microfinance Bank mistakenly continued deductions in August 2025.

The statement confirmed that upon discovery, both banks were instructed to refund the affected staff. While LAPO has completed all refunds, REGENT Microfinance Bank is currently processing repayment.

It further revealed that during LAPO’s refund process, five (5) staff members were inadvertently overpaid. The representative of the employees has been advised to liaise with LAPO to ensure the excess funds are returned.

Contrary to claims made during the Brekete Family broadcast of September 15, 2025, the OAGF stressed that it had fully complied with all agreements. The representative of the UATH staff, Mr. Akowe Job, has since tendered an apology, admitting the radio programme had not been fully briefed on the corrective steps already taken.

The OAGF added that it continues to work closely with Mr. Akowe Job and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) Department to resolve all outstanding salary-related issues for August 2025.

Reiterating its commitment, the OAGF assured that it will maintain transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery, while calling on stakeholders especially the media to always seek clarification and verify facts before making public pronouncements.