RMAFC clarifies Tinubu’s, Shettima’s, Governors’ Salaries, Others by 114%
The Federal Government, through the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), has clarified why it gave approval of a 114 percent increase in salaries for President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors, lawmakers, judicial as well as public office holders.
RMAFC stated that the decision came after a comprehensive review of the Nigerian economy.
RMAFC stated, “After considering the impact of the review on the economy, the remuneration of political, public, and judicial office holders in the country has been adjusted upward by 114%.”
RMAFC is mandated by Sections 84 and 124 of the Constitution, to bears the responsibility of determining appropriate remuneration for political officeholders such as the President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Legislators, and other relevant positions.
Additionally, the commission has charged the Houses of Assembly in all 36 states to expedite the amendment of relevant laws, thus facilitating an upward revision of remuneration packages for political, judicial, and public officers.
RMAFC Chairman Muhammadu Shehu, represented by Federal Commissioner Rakiya Tanko-Ayuba, hinted during the presentation of the reviewed remuneration package reports to Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris that the effective implementation of the revised remuneration packages started from January 1, 2023.
Shehu maintained that this move adheres to the provisions outlined in paragraph 32(d) of Part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Government, as amended.
According to the Chairman “Following the last remuneration review conducted in 2007, which led to the enactment of the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2008, it has become imperative, after sixteen years, to review the remuneration packages for the relevant office holders specified in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“The subjective criteria considered various expressions by stakeholders through received memoranda, opinions shared during the zonal public hearings, and responses to administered questionnaires. The objective criteria were derived from the analysis of macroeconomic variables, particularly the Consumer Price Index (CPI).”
He posited that with careful consideration of the review’s impact on the economy, the remuneration of political, public, and judicial office holders in the country has been adjusted upwards by an impressive 114 percent.
Speaking on judicial office holders, Shehu announced the introduction of three new allowances.
“These include the provision of two law clerks for all judicial officers in the country through the Professional Development Assistant allowance. The Long Service Allowance aims to establish seniority and hierarchy among officers who have served on the bench for a minimum of five years and those newly appointed. Lastly, the Restricted or Forced Lifestyle allowance caters to the unique lifestyle demands faced by judicial officers during active service,” he added.
