In a significant development, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) have granted its approval for a substantial 114 percent salary increment for elected politicians, including the President, Vice President, governors, lawmakers, as well as judicial and public office holders.
The RMAFC, responsible for determining appropriate remuneration for political officeholders as stated in Sections 84 and 124 of the Constitution, has urged the 36 states’ Houses of Assembly to expedite the process of amending relevant laws to accommodate the upward review of remuneration packages for political, judicial, and public officers.
During the presentation of the reviewed remuneration package reports to Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, RMAFC Chairman Muhammadu Shehu, represented by Federal Commissioner Rakiya Tanko-Ayuba, emphasized that the implementation of the revised remuneration packages had been effective since January 1, 2023. This action aligns with the provisions of paragraph 32(d) of Part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Government (as amended).
Shehu further highlighted that the last remuneration review took place in 2007, leading to the enactment of the “Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2008.” The recent approval signifies an overdue adjustment to reflect current economic realities and ensure appropriate compensation for elected officials and public office holders.
Shehu said, “It empowers the revenue mobilization, allocation, and fiscal commission to determine the remuneration appropriate for political office holders, including the president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors, ministers, commissioners, special advisers, legislators, and the holders of the offices mentioned in sections 84 and 124 of the constitution of the federal government.
Shehu said that having considered the impact of the review on the economy, the remuneration of the political, public, and judicial office holders in the country was adjusted “upward by 114%.”
The chairman explained that with respect to the judicial office holders, the commission considered the introduction of three new allowances.
He listed the allowances to include, “Professional Development Assistant: This is to allow for the provision of two law clerks to all judicial officers in the country.
“Long Service Allowance: This is to guarantee seniority/hierarchy between officers who have been on the bench for a minimum of five years and those that are appointed newly.