Office of Federal Accountant General Launches Forensic Audit on Alleged Salary Padding by IPPIS Personnel

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has reportedly launched a forensic audit into reports of what it regarded as a breach of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll and Information System (IPPIS).

In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the OAGF, Bawa Mokwa, said the office had received inquiries over alleged “salary padding” on IPPIS involving some unspecified Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The statement added that although there was no evidence of “salary padding” before the OAGF at this time; it however, said the office is aware of a reported breach of the IPPIS third-party payment protocol at an Institute outside Abuja.

It stated that the incident has since been reported to, and is being investigated by relevant anti-corruption, security, and regulatory agencies.

In the meantime, a staff suspected to be connected with the breach has been suspended to allow for a thorough investigation.

The Office indicates that all necessary steps are being taken to strengthen the controls around the IPPIS payment platform while the independent forensic audit of the entire payroll system will help to ascertain if the reported breach is isolated or widespread.