By Tony Obiechina Abuja
The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has reiterated the need to ensure adherence to constitutional provisions in implementing its recommended remuneration packages for political, public, and judicial office holders especially at the state and local government levels.
Speaking at a one-day workshop held at the Commission’s Headquarters on Thursday, RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu stressed that proper implementation of remuneration packages is crucial for ensuring good governance and reducing the cost of governance in Nigeria.
“The Commission had observed lapses in the implementation of its remuneration reports at the state and local government levels, as revealed in our 2019 pilot monitoring exercise. Many states have adopted the Commission’s recommendations without the required legislative action, thereby contravening constitutional provisions,” Dr. Shehu stated.
He further highlighted that disregard for the prescribed remuneration package for elected councilors at the local government level remains a key concern.
“Respect for the remuneration package at all levels of government will go a long way in promoting transparency and fiscal discipline in governance,” he added.
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 Monetization 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, emphasizing 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.
Also speaking, the representative of the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments in Nigeria (ALGON), Dr. Aminu Hassan, in his goodwill message, expressed optimism that the workshop would foster collaboration between state executives and legislatures.
“ALGON hopes that this workshop will go a long way in cementing 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 stated.
In her goodwill message, the Chairman of the Forum of Clerks of the Nigerian Legislature (FOCON), Barr. Rukayyatu Adamu Jalo expressed appreciation to the RMAFC Chairman for including FOCON in the workshop. She disclosed that it was the first time the forum was being recognized. Barr. Jalo acknowledged the value the workshop would add to its members.
According to a statement by Maryam Umar Yusuf, Head, Information and Public Relations Unit of
RMAFC, the Secretary to the Commission, Engr. Joseph Okechukwu Nwaze while expressing gratitude to the participants, thanked the Chairman for organising the workshop and commended the commissioners for their participation.
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He assured everyone that the workshop would provide valuable insights and practical takeaways to aid the effective implementation of remuneration packages.
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.
