Maryam Aminu
…..State Executives and Legislators Urged to Ensure Proper Implementation of Salaries and Allowances
In a bid to strengthen fiscal discipline and ensure fair remuneration across all levels of government, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has convened a crucial workshop in Abuja.
The one-day event, held at the Commission’s headquarters, brought together key government officials, legislators, and policymakers to discuss the proper implementation of remuneration packages for political, public, and judicial office holders in Nigeria.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of RMAFC, Dr. M.B. Shehu, OFR, underscored the Commission’s constitutional mandate to set equitable salaries and allowances for government officials.
He emphasized that while the remuneration framework is designed to reflect responsibilities, risks, and financial realities, gaps in implementation particularly at the state and local government levels have created inconsistencies that need urgent attention.
Dr. Shehu provided a historical perspective on Nigeria’s remuneration structure, recalling that the first comprehensive salary package for political, public, and judicial office holders was introduced in 2000 and later passed into law as the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) Act, 2002. The last successful review occurred in 2008, despite multiple unsuccessful attempts in subsequent years.
However, a significant milestone was reached in 2024, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc.) Act, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to a well-compensated and independent judiciary.
“The remuneration of all office holders must be equitable, justifiable, and aligned with the realities of governance,” Dr. Shehu stressed. “It should also serve as a motivation for competent individuals to serve while ensuring accountability in public office.”
Despite RMAFC’s extensive work in structuring fair remuneration, challenges persist especially at the state and local government levels. A 2019 pilot monitoring exercise conducted by the Commission revealed a concerning trend: while the Federal Government has enacted remuneration laws, most states have adopted RMAFC’s recommendations without passing the required legislative approvals. This oversight contradicts constitutional provisions and creates legal uncertainties.
Additionally, RMAFC has received numerous complaints from states struggling with implementation. Some cases have led to investigations by anti-corruption agencies like the ICPC and EFCC, highlighting instances where officials deviated from prescribed remuneration structures.
Dr. Shehu outlined the key goals of the workshop:
Educating state executives and legislators on the proper implementation of RMAFC’s remuneration recommendations.
Addressing ambiguities and challenges faced in enforcing the remuneration framework.
Encouraging State Houses of Assembly to pass the required laws, as mandated by Section 124 of the 1999 Constitution, ensuring legal backing for remuneration at the subnational level.
Gathering feedback from stakeholders to improve future remuneration reviews.
He stressed that adherence to constitutional provisions is non-negotiable, as it safeguards transparency, fiscal responsibility, and good governance.
In his welcome remarks, Hon. Mohammed Inbeer Usman, Chairman of the Remuneration and Monetisation Committee, emphasized that states and local governments must align their remuneration policies with constitutional mandates and RMAFC’s recommendations. He expressed confidence that the expert-led discussions, facilitated by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), would provide actionable solutions to the challenges of remuneration implementation.
“As we deliberate today, I urge all participants to engage actively and take these insights back to their respective states,” he stated. “Proper implementation of remuneration policies will enhance governance, reduce unnecessary costs, and improve accountability at all levels.”
The workshop concluded with a strong call for collaboration between federal, state, and local governments to ensure that remuneration structures are legally sound, fair, and sustainable.
RMAFC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting states in implementing these policies while ensuring that salaries and allowances remain reasonable and within the government’s financial capacity.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward greater transparency and fiscal responsibility, the implementation of fair and legally backed remuneration packages will play a critical role in enhancing governance, reducing corruption risks, and fostering trust in public institutions.
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