The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has identified errors in how state and local governments implement the remuneration reports for political, public, and judicial officeholders.
These issues were first discovered during a pilot monitoring exercise conducted in 2019, according to the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu.
To address the lapses, the commission organised a workshop on Thursday, bringing together executives and lawmakers from state and local governments. The event focused on their roles in properly implementing RMAFC’s recommendations on remuneration packages.
Dr. Shehu explained that many states adopted the Commission’s recommendations without passing the necessary legislative actions or enacting state laws. This, he pointed out, is against constitutional provisions that require state Houses of Assembly to determine remuneration for state and local government officials.
He also noted that the Commission regularly receives complaints and clarification requests from states regarding the implementation of its recommendations, and in some cases, anti-corruption agencies like the ICPC and EFCC have investigated violations.
The workshop aimed to educate state executives and lawmakers on the proper implementation of the remuneration package, provide clarifications on unclear areas, and emphasize the need for strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Dr. Shehu highlighted Section 124 (1) & (4) of the Constitution, which mandates state Houses of Assembly to prescribe remuneration for governors, deputy governors, auditors-general, and members of key state commissions based on RMAFC’s recommendations.
He further stressed that local government legislative councils, as the legislative arm of the third tier of government, must receive proper remuneration as determined by the Commission.
Unlike appointed councillors in the executive councils, whose remuneration is set by state legislatures, the pay for elected councillors falls under RMAFC’s constitutional powers. Respecting these remuneration packages at all levels of government, he said, would enhance governance and help reduce the cost of running the government.
n his remarks, Mohammed Kabeer, Chairman of RMAFC’s Remuneration and Monetization Committee, reminded state and local government officials that the Commission has the constitutional authority to determine pay structures for political, public, and judicial officeholders in Nigeria.
He emphasized that proper implementation of the remuneration package is essential for accountability, fairness, and good governance.
No comments:
Post a Comment