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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Despite nationwide outrage over the consideration of a pay rise for the political class, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has commenced a retreat in Kano aimed at reviewing the remuneration packages for political, public, and judicial office holders across the country.
In a statement, the chairman of the Remuneration and Monetisation Committee of RMAFC, Mohammed Kabeer Usman, who also serves as the Federal Commissioner representing Gombe State, underscored the importance of the assignment to the stability and growth of Nigeria’s governance structure.
Usman reminded participants that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empowers the commission to determine appropriate remuneration for political, public, and judicial office holders at all levels. He noted that the commission had earlier taken steps towards the review of the remuneration package to reflect prevailing economic realities.
According to him, the commission carefully considered a wide range of perspectives, including memoranda from stakeholders, public hearings, and ministerial submissions, while also drawing from economic indicators and remuneration practices in other countries.
He further explained that the review process was not only about figures but also about sustainability and affordability.
“The commission has equally analysed the capacity of government to implement the review package, ensuring that recommendations remain fair, realistic, and sustainable,” he stated.
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Usman further disclosed that the committee was directed to harmonise the earlier report and subsequent addendum into a single document to provide a clear and comprehensive framework for implementation.
He appealed to members to bring their diverse experiences and knowledge to bear, stressing that the retreat must produce outcomes that are balanced and beneficial to all.
“I implore everyone to contribute towards achieving the purpose of our gathering, given our varied knowledge and wealth of experience,” he said.
The retreat is expected to set a sustainable framework for political, public, and judicial office holders’ remuneration in line with the mandate of the commission.
Present at the retreat were Honourables Adamu Fanda representing Kano State, Henry Nduka Awuregu, Aruviere Egharhevwa representing Delta State, Hassan Usman Mahmud representing Kaduna State, and Hauwa Umar Aliyu representing Jigawa State.
Also present were Professor Steve Davies Ugbah representing Benue State, Honourables Abdulazeez Idris King representing Kogi State, Aliyu Abdulkadir representing Nasarawa State, and Nathaniel Adojutelegan representing Ondo State.
The secretary of the committee, who is also the Director of Fiscal Efficiency in the commission, Dr Tanimu Adamu Aliyu, and other supporting staff were also in attendance.
