The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has urged stakeholders to fact-check before making public statements to prevent misinformation and protect government institutions’ reputation.

Director of Press and Public Relations, OAGF, Bawa Mokwa, made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Mokwa, particularly urged media organisations to be circumspect and seek clarifications before disseminating information.

According to him, the appeal followed a recent broadcast by an Abuja-based radio station concerning alleged salary deductions involving employees of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada.

He said, “The OAGF wishes to set the record straight on the matter. A total of 85 UATH employees had filed a suit at the FCT Area Court in Bwari, alleging fraudulent salary deductions by Hi-Breed Consults Services, Baxxmort Construction Company, and 20 Microfinance Banks (MFBs). Following a court order issued in favour of the affected staff, a meeting was held between the OAGF and the radio station. An agreement was reached to suspend all further deductions from the salaries of the affected employees starting from February, pending the determination of the substantive case.’’

Mr Mokwa said that in compliance with the agreement, the OAGF immediately directed all implicated MFBs to halt deductions.

He stated, “However, two MFBs, LAPO and REGENT- Microfinance Banks inadvertently continued deductions in August. Upon discovery of the error, both institutions were promptly directed to refund the deducted amounts. LAPO has completed all refunds, while REGENT- Microfinance Banks is currently in the process of making the necessary repayments.’’

He said that the OAGF remained actively engaged with the representative, who is working closely with the IPPIS department to resolve all outstanding salary-related issues for August 2025.

He said that the OAGF remained steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery.

Mr Mokwa added, “We urge all stakeholders, especially media organisations, to seek clarification and verify facts before making public statements.’’

(NAN)