The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has responded to allegations of non-compliance regarding salary deductions affecting 85 staff members of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada. The allegations were aired on the Brekete Family Programme, a radio show.

According to a statement by the Director of Press, Bawa Mokwa, the OAGF intervened in the matter and directed all implicated microfinance banks and entities to halt deductions and make refunds to the affected employees. The statement explained that in compliance with an agreement reached, the OAGF directed all implicated microfinance banks to stop deductions. However, two microfinance banks, Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) and REGENT-Microfinance Banks, inadvertently continued deductions in August 2025.

Upon discovery of the error, both institutions were directed to refund the deducted amounts. LAPO has completed the refunds, while REGENT-Microfinance Banks is in the process of making the necessary repayments. The OAGF’s response came after the Brekete Family broadcast on September 15, 2025, which alleged non-compliance by the OAGF. The representative of the affected UATH staff, Mr. Akowe Job, has since issued an apology, stating that the radio station had not been fully briefed on the measures already undertaken by the OAGF prior to the broadcast.

It was also observed that five staff members were overpaid during the refund process by LAPO. The representative of the affected employees has been advised to liaise with LAPO to ensure that the excess funds are returned appropriately. The issue arose after 85 UATH employees filed a suit at the FCT Area Court in Bwari, alleging fraudulent salary deductions by Hi-Breed Consults Services, Baxxmort Construction Company, and twenty Microfinance Banks.

Following a court order issued in favor of the affected staff, a meeting was held between the former Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, and the Brekete Family team. An agreement was reached to suspend all further deductions from the salaries of the affected employees starting from February 2025, pending the determination of the substantive case. The OAGF’s intervention and directives to the microfinance banks aim to resolve the salary deductions issue and provide relief to the affected employees. The development highlights the importance of prompt action by regulatory bodies in addressing disputes and ensuring that employees’ rights are protected.