Amid efforts to flush out ghost workers, the Nigerian government has given federal civil servants a February 17, 2025, deadline for identity verification.

The notice was contained in a memo by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and seen by DAILY POST on Saturday.

Accordingly, civil servants are expected to verify their identities on the portal of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System amid the planned stoppage of salaries and other sanctions for ghost workers.

Part of the requirement for verification is the TIN, alongside the IPPIS number and salary account number.

The memo read, “Following the Treasury Circular with Ref. No. TRY/A6&B6/2024-OAGF/CAD/026/Vol. V/910 dated 27th June, 2024 on the above subject matter and subsequent extension dated 16 August, 2024, I am directed to inform you that AGF has approved the extension of the OAF-IPPIS Payroll Validation Portal for an additional one week (10–17” February, 2025).

“The portal will be deployed and made accessible to those employees that were unable to complete their validation before the end of the earlier deadline. Visit the OAF website: www.oagf.gov.ng and access the portal.

“The portal will be deployed and made accessible to those employees that were unable to complete their validation before the end of the earlier deadline. Visit the OAF website: www.oagf.gov.ng and access the portal.

“It is hereby emphasised that all employees concerned are expected to conclude updating their payroll information on or before 12 midnight on Monday, February 17, 2025. Please note that officers who fail to avail themselves of this last opportunity may suffer some consequences, which may include suspension from the payroll.

“Accounting Officers, Directors/Heads of Finance & Accounts, and Internal Audit Units of MDAs and other arms of government are enjoined to give this circular the widest circulation it deserves and ensure compliance.”

This comes as President Bola Tinubu in 2024 directed that all civil servants drawing salaries from the federal government after relocating abroad be made to refund the money.

Tinubu also proscribed punishment for culprits’ supervisors and department heads aiding and abetting the fraud while they were in charge.

Nigerian govt announces deadline for workers’ verification