The Kwara State Government has denied claims that it owes workers salaries for May and June 2026, insisting that it paid employees for both months.
The government said only a small number of workers are yet to receive their salaries because they have not completed payroll validation, staff verification or the ongoing State Staff Identification Number (SSID) registration.
Government Explains Delayed Payments
In a statement, the Press Secretary to the Office of the Accountant-General, Babatunde Abdulrasheed, quoted the Accountant-General, Abdulganiyu Sani, as dismissing reports of unpaid salaries.
Sani said the government processed and released salaries for May and June as scheduled. However, he explained that some workers are still undergoing verification, which delayed their payments.
“I wish to state categorically that salaries for May and June 2026 were duly processed and paid. The assertion that the State failed to pay salaries for these two months is incorrect.”
SSID Exercise Continues
According to Sani, the SSID registration aims to strengthen the state’s payroll system and eliminate irregularities.
Furthermore, he urged affected workers to complete the registration and other verification requirements so the government can finalise their payments.
He also clarified that the Office of the Accountant-General prepares, verifies, approves and funds the monthly payroll before releasing salaries.
Accountant-General Defends Payroll Consultant
Sani also defended the state’s decision to engage a payroll consultant.
He said the consultant provides only technical support for the electronic payroll platform. According to him, the consultant neither determines who receives salaries nor approves any payment.
Labour Maintains Pressure
The government’s response followed a fresh ultimatum from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC) in Kwara State.
The unions accused the government of failing to pay May and June salaries and remit statutory deductions. In addition, they demanded the removal of the payroll consultant and warned that they could begin industrial action if the issues remain unresolved.
Government Reassures Workers
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government reaffirmed its commitment to workers’ welfare and timely salary payments.
It also pledged to continue improving payroll administration while ensuring transparency, accountability and efficient service delivery.
