RMAFC Concludes Salary Review, Recommendations Forwarded to President Tinubu

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has announced the completion of its remuneration package review for political and public office holders, with the recommendations now sent to President Bola Tinubu for his consideration. This development was shared in a statement released by Maryam Yusuf, the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit for the commission, on Wednesday, following a courtesy visit from members of the Council of Retired Permanent Secretaries to the RMAFC’s Abuja headquarters.

Dr. Mohammed Shehu, the Chairman of the RMAFC, affirmed the commission's dedication to impartially assessing all requests concerning the remuneration review for political and public office holders. Shehu conveyed these sentiments while hosting a delegation, led by Elder Akin Arikawe, the National Vice Chairman of the Council of Retired Permanent Secretaries.

The RMAFC chairman acknowledged retired permanent secretaries as foundational elements of Nigeria's public service, praising their significant contributions to policy development and national progress. He stated, “Nothing can replace the experience of an experienced public servant. You are still relevant in shaping policy and advising government on intricate national issues.”

Furthermore, Shehu revealed that the commission's review process had been finalized, and its proposals had already been submitted to the President. He elaborated, “The Commission had already concluded its review of which substantial parts of the issues canvassed by the retired Permanent Secretaries have been captured and forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for consideration.”

He reassured the visiting delegation that their specific requests were thoroughly evaluated within the commission's constitutional purview. Shehu added, “We have carefully considered your case within our constitutional mandate and submitted our recommendations. We remain fully supportive of initiatives that will ensure retired Permanent Secretaries live dignified lives after years of meritorious service.”

Earlier in the event, Elder Arikawe articulated that the purpose of their visit was to foster stronger collaboration with the commission and express gratitude for its efforts in addressing matters pertinent to retired permanent secretaries. He clarified that the council, operating under the motto “Continuous Improvement,” was established to leverage the extensive experience of its members to support the government through expert policy advice, preservation of institutional memory, and constructive engagement on national issues. Arikawe affirmed the council's ongoing commitment to contributing to reforms aimed at enhancing governance and public administration across the nation.

Also speaking, Federal Commissioners Ismail Agaka, representing Kwara State, and Rakiya Haruna, representing Kebbi State, lauded the council members as distinguished administrators whose wealth of experience had significantly influenced Nigeria's economic and governance policies. They encouraged the retired permanent secretaries to continue guiding younger public servants and endorsing ongoing reform initiatives.

The statement further cited Dr. U.K. Umar, Director of the Allocation Department and Overseeing Director of the Fiscal Efficiency Department, who confirmed that the commission had initiated action on the concerns raised by the council. He noted that consultations were currently underway to review the existing legal framework and address the council’s requests in alignment with the commission’s recommendations and prevailing laws.

Both the RMAFC and the Council of Retired Permanent Secretaries concluded by reaffirming their shared commitment to sustained collaboration, aiming to bolster Nigeria’s public service, safeguard institutional memory, and foster good governance.

In a related development, The PUNCH had recently reported criticisms from Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Bode George, regarding the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission's intentions to review the salaries of President Bola Tinubu, his cabinet members, and other elected political office holders.