Requests for the review of remuneration of all political and public office holders will receive fair consideration in the ongoing review exercise, the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, has said.
Dr. Shehu gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from the Council of Retired Permanent Secretaries which visited him in Abuja on Tuesday.
The delegation was led by the National Vice Chairman of the group, Elder Akin Arikawe, accompanied by the Council members, including Mallam Sabiu Zakari, Jeff Nwosu, and Silas Ayuba.
Welcoming the delegation, the RMAFC Chairman who described the retired Permanent Secretaries as one of the pillars upon which Nigeria’s public service was built, commended their immense contributions to policy formulation and national development over the years.
He noted that their experience and institutional memory remained invaluable to the government, saying, “Nothing can replace the experience of an experienced public servant.
“You are still relevant in shaping policy and advising the government on intricate national issues,” he added.
Dr. Shehu disclosed that the Commission had already concluded its review of the remuneration package for political and public office holders, pointing out that substantial parts of the issues canvassed by the retired Permanent Secretaries were captured and forwarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for consideration before being sent to the National Assembly for the final approval.
He assured the delegation of the Commission’s support, saying: “We have carefully considered your case within our constitutional mandate and submitted our recommendations to the appropriate quarters. We remain fully supportive of initiatives that will ensure retired Permanent Secretaries live dignified lives after years of meritorious service.”
Earlier, Elder Akin Arikawe, who spoke on behalf of the Council, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the Commission and to express appreciation for its commitment to addressing issues affecting retired Permanent Secretaries.
He explained that the Council, guided by its motto, “Continuous Improvement,” was established to harness the wealth of experience of retired Permanent Secretaries in supporting government through policy advice, institutional memory and constructive engagement on national issues.
He stressed that the Council remained committed to contributing meaningfully to reforms that would strengthen governance and public administration in the country.
Also speaking, Ismail Mohammed Agaka and Rakiya Tanko Ayuba Haruna, who are Federal Commissioners on the Commission representing Kwara and Kebbi States respectively, paid glowing tributes to members of the Council, describing them as distinguished administrators whose wealth of experience was instrumental to the shaping of Nigeria’s economic and governance policies.
They noted that the nation would continue to benefit from their institutional knowledge, urging the Council to sustain its engagement in mentoring younger public servants and supporting ongoing reforms.
In his remarks, the Director of the Allocation Department and the Overseeing Director of the Fiscal Efficiency Department, Dr. U.K. Umar,
informed the delegation that the Commission had commenced work on the issues raised by the Council.
However, he disclosed that consultations were ongoing to review the existing legal framework and address the Council’s requests in line with the Commission’s recommendations and extant laws.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s public service, preserving institutional memory and promoting good governance.
