RMAFC Expresses Disatisfaction As State, Local Gov’ts Breach Remuneration Law For Office-holders

By Genesis ogiri, Abuja 

Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC)  has voiced its  disatisfaction over the  disregard of the provisions of the nation’s Remuneration Act which they say has been observed in breach by the State and Local governments.

RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, said whereas the Remuneration Act was enacted at the federal level for political, public and judicial office-holders at the federal level, most States across the country adopted the commission’s recommendation as contained in its reports without the required legislative action or enactment of state laws. “This action contravenes the constitutional provision with respect to the remuneration of the Executive at the State and Local Government levels.

The Chairman  disclosed this on Thursday, while Speaking at a one-day workshop held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Dr Shehu maintained that proper implementation of remuneration packages was crucial for ensuring good governance and reducing the cost of governance in Nigeria.

The chairman stated that the Remuneration Act sets forth specific guidelines and provisions regarding how public office-holders should be compensated. Disregarding these provisions by state and local governments raises questions about compliance with national laws. 

RMAFC Boss highlighted the importance of equitable remuneration for public officials. Breaches of the Remuneration Act may lead to disparities in compensation, which can affect morale and performance within public service.

He expressed dissatisfaction while stressed the need for stricter enforcement mechanisms to ensure that all levels of government adhere to the established remuneration framework.

The RMAFC chairman further highlighted that this lack of compliance had resulted in ongoing complaints and investigations into state-level corruption and mismanagement, often leading to inquiries by agencies like the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Shehu charged state executives and legislatures to strictly follow the constitutional provisions in implementing the RMAFC remuneration package.

"He called for greater accountability and oversight in how state and local governments manage their remuneration practices. He said adherence to the Remuneration Act will promote fairness and accountability in governance.

Also, Dr. Mohammed Shehu, has stressed  the urgent need for innovative and sustainable revenue generation strategies to address the increasing public service demands at all levels of government.

"We must move beyond traditional revenue sources and explore new frontiers to boost fiscal sustainability,” he added.

The RMAFC boss reiterated the Commission’s constitutional mandate to advise the three tiers of government on fiscal efficiency and revenue enhancement.

The Chairman highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships, optimal pricing strategies, and efficient fiscal management in enhancing revenue generation, while noting that  that the programme would provide a platform for participants to engage with experts and explore best practices in revenue optimization.

The workshop was held to draw the attention of stakeholders at executive and legislative arms of the State government and local government areas on the need to strictly adhere to the provision of the law in the implementation of the remuneration package.

“ Noting that, the disregard of the Commission’s determined remuneration package for elected Councilors at the Local Government level has remained a point of concern to the Commission. Local Government Legislative Councils constitute the Legislative Arm of the third tier,” he stated.

He urged all stakeholders to take full advantage of the training, emphasising that achieving fiscal sustainability requires proactive measures, collaboration and a commitment to good governance.

He also emphasised the principles of equity, fairness, and reasonableness, stressing that the remuneration for officeholders should reflect the risks and responsibilities attached to their positions while also ensuring that the packages are affordable and within the capacity of the government’s budget.

The RMAFC chairman also stressed the importance of maintaining uniformity and consistency in how these packages are applied across the various levels of government. 

Earlier in his welcome address, the Federal Commissioner representing Gombe State in the Commission, Hon. Mohammed Kabeer Usman, who is the chairman of the Remuneration and Monetisation Committee, underscored the importance of the workshop in addressing challenges in the implementation process.

“The determination of remuneration packages for political, public, and judicial office holders is one of the core functions of the Commission, as provided under the 1999 Constitution. This workshop serves as a platform to educate stakeholders and ensure compliance with constitutional requirements,” Hon. Usman stated.

He urged participants to actively engage in deliberations, emphasising that the knowledge gained from the workshop should be applied to facilitate the proper execution of remuneration packages at the state and local government levels.

In the same vein , the representative of the chairman of the Association of Local Governments in Nigeria (ALGON), Dr. Aminu Hassan, in his speech, expressed joy that the workshop would foster collaboration between state executive and legislative arms. “ALGON hopes that this workshop will go a long way in maintaining a symbiotic relationship by the executives of their respective states and the legislatures, ensuring that we implement a single remuneration for executive political office holders,” he added.

Barr. Rukayyatu Adamu Jalo, Chairman of the Forum of Clerks of the Nigerian Legislature, extended her appreciation to the RMAFC chairman for including FOCON in the workshop. She disclosed that it was the first time the forum was being recognised. Barr. Jalo acknowledged the value the workshop would bring to its members.

The Secretary to the Commission, Engr. Joseph Okechukwu Nwaze, while Delivering the vote of thanks at the end of the opening ceremony, expressed gratitude to the chairman for organising the workshop and commended the commissioners for their participation. He maintained that the workshop would provide valuable insights and practical takeaways to aid the effective implementation of remuneration packages.

Engr. Henry Nduka Awuregu, the Federal Commissioner RMAFC, representing Ebony State, lauded the workshop as a huge success, stating that the training clearly outlined the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission's role. He considered this a positive step in demonstrating a commitment to resolving remuneration issues.

"He declared the workshop a huge success, emphasizing the clarification of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission's crucial role in the remuneration and monetization of political office holders.

"He praised the workshop as a positive step forward, stating that its message regarding the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission's objectives concerning remuneration and monetization was clear. He thanked the attendees for their time and attention.

Honorable Ejike Okechukwu, representing Anaocha 11 Constituency and standing in for the Speaker of the Anambra State Assembly, expressed satisfaction with the workshop's success. He highlighted the State executive's collaboration with the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to address local government councilors' remuneration as a key achievement.

"He advocated for an upward review of salaries and allowances for political office holders, arguing that the rising cost of living necessitates such a measure.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including state executive representatives, state legislators, and local government officials, to address critical issues in the implementation of RMAFC’s remuneration recommendations.