Fed Govt Assures Civil Servants of IPPIS Database Security Amid Concerns
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of the Integrated Personal and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), following growing concerns among civil servants regarding potential breaches of sensitive personal data.
In a statement released by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), the government affirmed that the IPPIS database remains uncompromised.
Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the OAGF, in a detailed response aimed at reassuring civil servants about the safety of their personal information stored in the IPPIS system said, “The Integrated Personal and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) database has not been compromised.”
Mokwa further emphasized the government’s determination to operate a secure and efficient personnel and payroll system.
The OAGF, which oversees the IPPIS along with various financial management initiatives, stated that it is already implementing an extensive ICT Security Policy designed to protect its digital assets in accordance with global best practices. This initiative comes in the wake of an emerging awareness about data security in an era where cyber threats are increasingly common.
Specifically, the OAGF clarified that no data pertaining to civil servants is stored on its official website. “The IPPIS is not using the OAGF website for any transaction. The website is actually the medium to share information. Neither payroll nor payment is made through the website,” the office explained, underscoring that the website serves purely informational purposes, ensuring that employee data is not vulnerable to unauthorized access.
To further bolster confidence, the OAGF acknowledged that the recently developed IPPIS validation portal was employed for updating employee information during a specific exercise. After the completion of this exercise, the OAGF confirmed that all data was extracted and the portal terminated permanently. “The IPPIS Validation Portal was deployed on a secure platform. A secured database and application were purchased from the popular HELIX-FONS,” Mokwa revealed.
The statement comes at a critical time as the OAGF acknowledges the paramount importance of the IPPIS to Nigerian workers. Recognizing the concerns that have arisen, the office emphasized the need to dispel fears about the potential loss or breach of personal data within the IPPIS database.
To address operational issues, the OAGF has established mechanisms for the resolution of any challenges that may come to light, encouraging employees to formally report any anomalies they observe in their salary payments. “Workers are advised to follow official procedures to resolve such issues,” the statement read.
As civil servants navigate their responsibilities, the Federal Government remains committed to safeguarding their vital personal information, aiming to solidify trust in the IPPIS system as the backbone of personnel management and payroll disbursement in the public sector.
With data integrity being a cornerstone of public administration, the Federal Government’s reassurances signal a proactive approach to safeguarding personal information while fostering a transparent relationship with civil servants. As stability in payroll systems remains fundamental to employee satisfaction and trust, the ongoing commitment to secure operations is not only prudent but essential in the modern digital landscape.
