The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), has reaffirmed its commitment to fair remuneration for political and public office holders in Nigeria.
Speaking while receiving a delegation from the Council of Retired Permanent Secretaries in Abuja, the Chairman of the Commission, Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu, described the retired permanent secretaries as one of the pillars upon which Nigeria’s public service has been built and commended their immense contributions to policy formulation and national development over the years.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that requests for the review of remuneration for political and public office holders receive fair consideration in the ongoing review exercise.
The chairman noted that their experience and institutional memory remain invaluable to government, saying, “Nothing can replace the experience of an experienced public servant. You are still relevant in shaping policy and advising government on intricate national issues.”
Dr Shehu disclosed that the Commission had already concluded its review, and that substantial parts of the issues canvassed by the retired permanent secretaries had been captured and forwarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for consideration.
He assured the delegation of the Commission’s support, saying, “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.”
According to a statement by Maryam Umar Yusuf, speaking on behalf of the Council, Elder Akin Arikawe said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the Commission and appreciating 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.
Arikawe stressed that the Council remains committed to contributing meaningfully to reforms that will strengthen governance and public administration in Nigeria.
The statement noted that Hon. Ismail Mohammed Agaka and Hon. Rakiya Tanko Ayuba Haruna, Federal Commissioners representing Kwara and Kebbi states respectively, also paid glowing tributes to members of the Council, describing them as distinguished administrators whose wealth of experience was instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s economic and governance policies.
They stated that the nation would continue to benefit from their institutional knowledge and urged the Council to sustain its engagement in mentoring younger public servants and supporting ongoing reforms.
In his remarks, Dr Usman Umar, Director of the Allocation Department and overseeing Director of the Fiscal Efficiency Department, informed the delegation that the Commission had commenced work on the issues raised by the Council.
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.
The statement added that the courtesy visit ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustained collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s public service, preserving institutional memory, and promoting good governance.