From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has cautioned stakeholders, particularly media organisations, against rushing to the public with unverified information, warning that such actions could mislead Nigerians and damage the reputation of government institutions.
The agency’s reaction followed a recent broadcast by a radio station, which alleged non-compliance by the OAGF in a salary deduction dispute involving some employees of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada.
According to the OAGF, a total of 85 UATH staff had dragged Hi-Breed Consults Services, Baxxmort Construction Company, and 20 Microfinance Banks (MFBs) before the FCT Area Court in Bwari, alleging fraudulent deductions from their salaries.
It said following a court order in favour of the affected staff, the then Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, held a meeting with the Brekete Family team where it was agreed that all deductions should be suspended from February 2025 pending the resolution of the substantive suit.
The OAGF, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Bawa Mokwa, on Wednesday, explained that it promptly directed all implicated MFBs to comply with the suspension order. However, two microfinance banks, Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) and Regent MFB, mistakenly continued deductions in August 2025.
“In response to the Brekete Family broadcast aired on Monday, September 15, 2025, which inaccurately alleged non-compliance by the OAGF, Mr. Akowe Job, the representative of the affected UATH staff, has since issued an apology, stating that the radio station had not been fully briefed on the measures already undertaken by the OAGF prior to the broadcast.
“Additionally, it was observed that five (5) staff members were overpaid during the refund process by LAPO. The representative of the affected employees has been advised to liaise with LAPO to ensure that the excess funds are returned appropriately.
“The OAGF remains actively engaged with the representative of the UATH staff, Mr. Akowe Job, who is working closely with the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) Department to resolve all outstanding salary-related issues for August 2025,” the statement read.
The Office of the Accountant-General reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery.
“We urge all stakeholders, especially media organisations, to seek clarification and verify facts before making public statements,” it added.
