The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) has firmly denied rumours circulating on social media that federal workers are being directed to change their salary accounts.
In a statement released in Abuja, the OAGF made it clear that no directive has been issued instructing workers to alter the financial institutions registered on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) platform.
The OAGF emphasized that the wellbeing of workers is a top priority, and it would never issue a directive that could mislead or cause unnecessary concern among employees.
“The IPPIS Office gives utmost priority to the wellbeing of workers and would not issue any directive that will mislead, misguide, or cause unnecessary panic,” the OAGF stated.
This response comes in the wake of false reports circulating widely on social media, suggesting that employees must switch their bank accounts used for salary payments under the IPPIS.
According to the OAGF, any change in salary account on the IPPIS platform is solely the personal decision of the employee and not a mandatory requirement.
The OAGF clarified that workers are not required to change their bank accounts, adding that the IPPIS Office has not issued any general directive to this effect because there is no reason to do so.
“Whenever there is an application for a change of salary account, it is always a personal decision of the worker concerned,” the OAGF explained, debunking the circulating rumors as false.
The office further called on financial institutions to reassure their customers and maintain a stable and reliable service, as concerns over bank stability have added to the confusion.
The OAGF highlighted that financial institutions play a crucial role in handling workers’ salaries and should continue to boost confidence by fulfilling their responsibilities efficiently.
The statement urged financial institutions to implement strategies to ensure customers feel secure and that their obligations to those whose salaries are managed through IPPIS are being met effectively.
“We call on financial institutions to bolster their customers’ confidence by ensuring the efficient fulfillment of their obligations to persons whose salaries are domiciled with them, and to Nigerians at large,” the OAGF said.
Additionally, the OAGF stressed that there are regulatory agencies tasked with monitoring and ensuring the health and viability of Nigeria’s financial institutions.
It expressed confidence that these agencies, whose roles include overseeing the stability of banks and other financial entities, are diligent in fulfilling their responsibilities.
The OAGF assured workers that the Nigerian banking system remains stable, and there is no reason for employees to fear any issues with receiving their salaries through their current accounts.
The Office also advised that employees who genuinely wish to change their salary accounts should do so by following the official procedures, rather than acting out of fear or misinformation.
Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the OAGF, reinforced the importance of following proper channels, emphasizing that official procedures are in place for those who may have a legitimate reason to change their bank details.
The OAGF’s statement underscores the need for caution when dealing with information on social media, as false rumors can create unnecessary alarm among the public.
In recent years, misinformation on social media has often led to confusion among public sector workers, especially concerning salary and payment processes.
The IPPIS platform, designed to ensure prompt and accurate payment to government employees, has occasionally been the subject of rumors and unverified claims.
