Federal Government halt salaries unverified workers from March 2026 after PASGA audit deadline, says Head of Civil Service

The Federal Government of Nigeria will halt salaries of unverified workers in the Federal Civil Service from March 2026 following the conclusion of the ongoing Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis, according to a directive issued in Abuja on Tuesday.

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In a memo signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, and addressed to the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof Tunji Olaopa, the government announced a final two-week window for affected officers to complete outstanding verification and assessment requirements.

The Federal Government halt salaries unverified workers measure forms part of the Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis project, known as PASGA, which commenced in 2025 as a sweeping reform aimed at strengthening efficiency and integrity within the public service.

The audit followed a directive by President Bola Tinubu during the 2025 International Civil Service Week. Bola Tinubu stated at the time that the exercise was designed to ensure that the right people with the right competencies were assigned appropriate responsibilities, while also identifying irregularities on the federal payroll.

Despite the exercise beginning last year, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service noted that some officers have yet to complete either the physical verification or the online skills assessment.

In the memo, Didi Walson-Jack directed the commencement of a final mop-up and closure of both components of the PASGA exercise for officers with outstanding cases.

The physical verification will take place from Monday, 16 February to Friday, 27 February 2026 at designated locations within the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja.

The directive stressed that completion of PASGA requires successful participation in both the Personnel Audit and the Skills Gap Assessment. Officers who fail to regularise their status within the stipulated period will be deemed non-compliant.

In line with government policy on payroll integrity and fiscal accountability, salaries of non-compliant officers will be stopped with effect from March 2026.

The memo further warned that such officers would face administrative processes that could lead to the termination of their appointments in accordance with the Public Service Rules.

The Federal Government halt salaries unverified workers decision comes amid longstanding concerns over payroll irregularities within the civil service.

Previous audits have uncovered instances of individuals residing abroad for extended periods without formal leave or resignation while continuing to draw salaries.

Officials have repeatedly described such cases as a serious drain on public finances and a distortion of workforce planning.

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The latest directive signals a decisive effort to close gaps in establishment control and ensure that only duly verified personnel remain on the federal payroll.