NIGERIA: PAY CUT FOR PUBLIC AND POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS

As from July 1, 2009, pay cut for public and political office holders take off, this is in compliance with the President’s directives in February 2009. President of Nigeria proposed a downward review of the remuneration packages of public officers across the country to the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission; this is because of the dwindling oil revenue.

As from now on the 300 per cent severance pays for President and Vice President because both of them are entitled to life pension according to Nigerian Constitution. Moreover the hardship allowances of these elected officers have been reduced to 30 percent from 50 percent. The numbers of fleet of cars of the Senate President have been reduced to six from eight, while that of the Speaker of House of Representative has been reduced to six from seven.

In the same vein, the Constituency Allowance of the Senators have been reduced to 125 percent from 250 percent of their Annual salary, while the Representative was reduced from 150 percent to 75 percent. This is for political office holders in Federal, State and Local Governments.

The Chairman of the Commission advised that this should take effect from July 1, 2009. at the time when the salaries were being determined then Nigeria was in the Peak of Oil boom, now we are all praying for our daily bread.

As at the time of filing this report there has been no comments from affected officers.