RMAFC Submits New Salary, Welfare Recommendations to President Tinubu
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Government has sent a new plan to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider reviewing the welfare and packages of retired Permanent Secretaries and public office holders.
The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, made this known in Abuja. He spoke while receiving a delegation from the Council of Retired Permanent Secretaries at the commission’s headquarters.
According to a statement issued by Maryam Umar Yusuf, the head of information for the commission, the RMAFC boss stated that the commission has finished its review. He noted that a large part of the requests made by the retired senior civil servants has already been captured and sent to the President.
Dr. Shehu stated that the commission will make sure that requests to review the salaries and packages of political and public office holders get a fair hearing in the ongoing exercise.
The RMAFC Chairman praised the retired Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the pillars of Nigeria’s public service who have helped shape national growth over the years.
He told the retired officials that their deep experience is still highly needed by the government.
In his words, “Nothing can replace the experience of an experienced public servant. You are still relevant in shaping policy and advising government on intricate national issues.”
He promised the group that the commission stands with them to ensure they live comfortable lives in retirement.
“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,” Dr. Shehu said.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Elder Akin Arikawe, said they came to build a closer working relationship with the commission and to thank the leadership for looking into their problems.
Elder Arikawe explained that the group was formed to use the rich experience of retired Permanent Secretaries to support the government through good advice and useful discussions on major national matters. He added that the council will keep working to support reforms that will make governance better in Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, two federal commissioners representing Kwara and Kebbi states, Ismail Mohammed Agaka and Rakiya Tanko Ayuba Haruna, praised the retired officials. They described them as great administrators who helped shape Nigeria’s economic policies. They urged the veteran civil servants to keep guiding and mentoring the younger generation of public workers.
Adding to the discussion, the director overseeing the fiscal efficiency department at the commission, Dr. Usman Kukankada Umar, told the visitors that work has already started on the matters they brought up. He revealed that the commission is currently holding talks to look at existing laws so they can address the council’s requests properly.
