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FG Begins Salary Deductions Over December 2024 Overpayments
The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) has announced that deductions are currently being made from the salaries of federal workers who received excess payments in December 2024 due to a system error.
In a statement released on Friday by the OAGF’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Bawa Mokwa, the government explained that the deductions are necessary to recover the overpayments, which resulted from a payroll system malfunction.
The OAGF also clarified concerns about alleged salary shortfalls in January and February 2025, stating that workers’ earnings had returned to normal levels after the exhaustion of various arrears paid in the last quarter of 2024.
“There were no shortfalls in salaries paid to federal workers in January and February 2025,” the statement read. “The amounts received during this period reflected normal salaries after the exhaustion of various arrears paid in the last quarter of 2024.”
Federal workers had benefited from payments covering arrears for the national minimum wage, the 25% and 35% salary increases, and wage awards between October and December 2024. These additional payments temporarily boosted salaries, leading to misunderstandings when January and February 2025 salaries reverted to their actual amounts.
“Payment of normal salaries after exhausting the various arrears began in January 2025, which made some workers think they were shortchanged when, in actual sense, it was their real salaries. A glance at the current salary table will substantiate this further,” the OAGF added.
Barring any future salary adjustments, the statement emphasized that salaries paid in January and February 2025 would remain unchanged until reviewed by the Federal Government.
On the issue of December 2024 overpayments, the OAGF confirmed that the system error responsible for the miscalculations had been corrected, and deductions were ongoing to recover the excess funds.
“There were cases of overpayments in December 2024 due to a system error. That error has been corrected, and deductions from the salaries of affected workers are ongoing and will continue until full recovery,” the statement noted.
Regarding outstanding promotion arrears, the OAGF explained that payments are handled by a Standing Committee on Promotion and Salary Arrears within the Budget Office of the Federation. The committee compiles and verifies salary and promotion arrears from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies before forwarding them to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) for payment.
The statement further disclosed that batches 1 to 6 of promotion arrears payments have been fully processed, while additional payments are awaiting approval from the Budget Office.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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