RMAFC to review remuneration packages for political office holders
Omeiza Bilal
In a significant move towards the implementation of one of its core mandates, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has commenced a strategic retreat in Kano aimed at harmonising reports in the bid to review the remuneration packages for political, public, and judicial office holders across the country.
Declaring the retreat open, the Chairman of the Remuneration and Monetisation Committee (RMAFC), Hon. 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
Hon. 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 some 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 analyzed the capacity of government to implement the review package, ensuring that recommendations remain fair, realistic, and sustainable,” he stated.
Speaking further, Hon. Usman disclosed that the Committee was directed to harmonise the earlier report and subsequent addendum into a single document so as to provide a clear and comprehensive framework for implementation.
He appealed to members to bring their diverse experience 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 are RMAFC Federal Commissioners: Hon. Adamu Fanda representing Kano state, Hon. Henry Nduka Awuregu, Hon. Aruviere Egharhevwa representing Delta state, Hon. Hassan Usman Mahmud representing Kaduna stat and Hon. Hauwa Umar Aliyu representing Jigawa state, Hon. (Prof.) Steve Davies Ugbah representing Benue state, Hon. Abdulazeez Idris King representing Kogi State, Hon. Aliyu A. Abdulkadir representing Nassarawa State; and Hon. Nathaniel Adojutelegan reprenting Ondo State.
The Secretary of the Committee, who is also the Director of Fiscal Efficiency in the Commission Dr. Tanimu Adamu Aliyu, FNIM. and other supporting staff were also in attendance.
