The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) has recently addressed concerns about a potential breach in Nigeria’s Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS). In a statement signed by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the OAGF, the federal government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a secure and efficient personnel and payroll system, ensuring the safety of employees’ data.
The OAGF dismissed allegations of a breach in the IPPIS database, emphasizing that the system’s database has not been compromised. The office highlighted the implementation of an ICT Security Policy to safeguard digital assets and ensure data protection in line with global best practices. It clarified that no sensitive data is stored on its website, with the platform solely used for information sharing rather than conducting transactions.
The OAGF explained that the recently developed IPPIS Validation Portal, used for updating employees’ information, was deployed on a secure platform. Following the completion of the validation exercise, data was securely extracted, and the portal was permanently shut down. The office disclosed the use of a secure database and application procured from HELIX-FONS to safeguard the validation process, ensuring the protection of employees’ data.
Recognizing the significance of IPPIS to Nigerian workers, the OAGF encouraged employees experiencing salary discrepancies to follow official channels for resolving such issues. The office assured that mechanisms are in place to address any operational concerns and ensure the accuracy of payroll information.
Recent media reports raised concerns about potential security breaches in the IPPIS system, alleging that a section of the IPPIS Payroll Validation on the OAGF website had been hijacked. However, the OAGF firmly denied these allegations, stating that no breach had occurred and all personal information remains secure. Despite claims that the database was purchased from HELIX-FONS, online checks by Nairametrics revealed limited information on the company.
The OAGF’s denial of a breach in the IPPIS system and assurance of data safety provide reassurance to Nigerian workers. The office’s commitment to maintaining a secure personnel and payroll system underscores the importance of protecting employees’ personal information. By addressing concerns and implementing secure validation processes, the OAGF aims to uphold data security and ensure the accuracy of payroll information for all employees.
