The Federal Government has intensified efforts to monitor its payroll system and eliminate irregularities as the amount spent on salaries across federal institutions reportedly rose to ₦1.96 trillion.
The development has prompted renewed scrutiny of government payroll records, with authorities seeking to ensure that only legitimate employees receive salaries and other entitlements.
The increased monitoring is also aimed at identifying ghost workers, preventing duplicate payments and addressing discrepancies in personnel records across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The government is expected to strengthen verification procedures and improve the reconciliation of staff records to ensure greater transparency and accountability in public expenditure.
The ₦1.96 trillion salary bill highlights the enormous financial commitment required to maintain the federal public service at a time when the government is also under pressure to fund infrastructure, healthcare, education and other critical sectors.
Payroll management has remained a major concern for successive administrations, particularly over allegations of fraudulent salary payments and weaknesses in personnel verification systems.
The latest move forms part of broader efforts to strengthen public financial management, reduce waste and ensure that government resources are used appropriately.
The Federal Government’s increased attention to payroll monitoring is expected to place additional emphasis on compliance by MDAs and the accuracy of employee records.
