Why Federal Civil Servants December Salaries ‘May’ Be Delayed

Barely a week after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the new Accountant-General of the Federation (AG-F), a controversy has erupted, threatening to stall his assumption of office.

The dispute revolves around the interpretation of Section 120243 of the Federal Government Public Service Rules (PSR), with tension escalating within the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF).

The crux of the controversy lies in conflicting claims about the retirement process of the outgoing AG-F, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein, who was expected to have proceeded on pre-retirement leave on December 7. According to the PSR, retiring officers are mandated to give three months’ notice and embark on a one-month pre-retirement workshop while handing over to their successor during the remaining two months. However, Mrs. Madein has reportedly neither initiated the process of handing over nor acknowledged the December 10 appointment of Ogunjimi.

Instead, she insists her tenure officially ends on March 7, 2025. This has led to her remaining in office, creating a standoff that has prevented Ogunjimi from fully assuming his duties.

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF) is reported to have advised President Tinubu against appointing a new AG-F before March, citing Mrs. Madein’s purported remaining tenure. However, critics argue that this advice misinterprets the PSR and undermines the president’s authority.

A source familiar with the matter alleged, “The new AG-F has received his appointment letter, but Mrs. Madein has refused to vacate the office. The HoCSF has issued an advisory asking the president to delay Ogunjimi’s assumption, turning the rules upside down.”

The source further cited precedent, noting that former Head of Service Barrister Danladi Kifasi complied with the PSR by proceeding on pre-retirement leave and handing over during the prescribed three-month notice.

The impasse has reportedly divided the OAGF, with factions loyal to both Mrs. Madein and Ogunjimi. This division has paralyzed operations at the office, raising fears of a delay in the payment of December salaries for federal workers. The AG-F’s role is critical for approving salary disbursements to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

An OAGF official described the situation as precarious, warning of further escalation if the issue is not promptly resolved. “Federal workers are counting on their salaries ahead of Christmas, but this gridlock has disrupted fund releases,” the official stated.

President Tinubu had, on December 10, appointed Ogunjimi as the Acting AG-F. A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the immediate effect of the appointment, emphasizing that it coincided with Mrs. Madein’s pre-retirement leave.

However, Ogunjimi has been unable to assume his new role, reportedly working from his previous position as Director of Funds.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the OAGF were unsuccessful, as the spokesperson, Mr. Bawa Mokwa, cited his attendance at a retreat in Kaduna.

With less than a week to Christmas and December salaries hanging in the balance, stakeholders are urging the government to resolve the impasse swiftly to avoid further disruption. As the controversy unfolds, Nigerians are closely watching for decisive action to ensure consistency, transparency, and adherence to the rules governing public service.

(With additional information from The Nation)
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