FG plans to reduce political office holders, others’ salaries

Firstclass newsline learnt that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation
and Fiscal Commission has set in motion the process for the downward
review of the existing salaries and allowances of political, public
and judicial office holders.
The Chairman of the organisation, Mr. Elias Mbam, on Wednesday
inaugurated the committee charged with the responsibility of reviewing
the Remuneration Act 2008.
The Remuneration Act of 2008 prescribed the salaries and allowances
for political, public and judicial office holders.
Mbam urged the committee to be conscious of the prevailing economic
situation and the need to reduce cost of governance so as to free more
funds for development, according to a statement issued by the Head of
Public Relations at RMAFC, Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed.
He also explained that the commission was constitutionally empowered
"to undertake the review of the remuneration packages as may be
required from time to time so as to reflect current economic
realities; advise federal and state governments on monetisation
policies; and generate cost of living indices for revision of
allowances."
Mbam charged the committee to undertake wide consultations with all
critical stakeholders including all arms of government of the
federation, the national and state assemblies, state and local
governments, professional economic bodies, the organised labour, the
academia, the media and Nigerians in general so as to enrich the
process.
He reminded the committee members of the need "to ensure that the
review effectively minimises wastages and abuses and ensures prudent
management of resources as well."
Mohammed said the committee was expected "to review the existing
Remuneration Act; identify areas of wastages and abuse, examine the
implementation of the monetisation policy by Ministries, Departments
and Agencies and advise on appropriate remuneration for political,
public and judicial officers commensurate with the work they do."
Mbam stressed that the exercise was in line with the current realities
characterised by inflation and downturn in international oil prices.
The exercise, he said, should be completed before the end of
September.
In his remarks after the inauguration, Chairman of the Remuneration
Committee of the commission, Mr. Abdullahi Inde, assured Nigerians
that the committee would do a thorough job of the task assigned to it.
He called on Nigerians to show support and pray for the committee.
Although the salaries and allowances of politicians had been
controversial, Nigerians had been more worried about the remuneration
of politicians that are not expressed in black and white.
The budget of the National Assembly, for instance, is usually not
broken down into components and often includes constituency projects
that could end up in the pockets of lawmakers.
Allowances and other perks of office of politicians are also seen as
heftier than the salarie
A source reported that senators, members of the House of
Representatives of the 8th National Assembly and ministers to be
appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari would on assumption of office
receive welcome perks amounting to N8,982,033, 974.
The perks of office include housing allowance which each of the
incoming office holders is entitled to receive once a year, housing
allowance which they are entitled to once in four years and motor
vehicle loan which they are entitled to once in their tenure.
Firstclassnewsline.net