RMAFC Criticizes States for Ignoring Approved Salary Guidelines
The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has raised concerns over the persistent disregard for approved salary structures by some state governments, warning of economic and legal repercussions.
RMAFC Condemns States’ Disregard for Approved Salary Guidelines
The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has strongly criticized certain state governments for failing to adhere to officially approved salary structures for public officials. The commission expressed concern over the increasing trend of non-compliance, emphasizing that such actions could lead to fiscal instability and governance challenges.
In a recent statement, RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Bello Shehu, highlighted that the commission is responsible for determining the remuneration of political officeholders, including governors, lawmakers, and judicial officers, as mandated by the Nigerian Constitution. However, reports indicate that some states have either failed to implement these guidelines or have arbitrarily adjusted salaries outside the commission’s recommendations.
State Governments Ignoring Salary Guidelines
According to RMAFC, the deliberate refusal by some states to comply with the approved remuneration structure not only violates constitutional provisions but also creates disparities in wage administration across the country. This, the commission warned, could lead to conflicts, labor disputes, and inefficiencies in governance.
Shehu emphasized that the commission’s salary review process considers economic realities and is designed to ensure fairness and sustainability. He urged state governments to respect the legal framework governing public sector remuneration and warned that continued non-compliance could attract legal consequences.
Potential Consequences of Non-Compliance
The failure of state governments to adhere to RMAFC’s salary guidelines could have far-reaching implications:
Legal Repercussions: The Nigerian Constitution empowers RMAFC to regulate salaries for public officeholders. Non-compliance may lead to legal challenges.
Economic Instability: Arbitrary salary adjustments can strain state budgets, leading to deficits and financial crises.
Labor Unrest: Disparities in salary structures between states could trigger dissatisfaction among government workers and lead to strikes.
Governance Issues: When salaries are not standardized, it affects transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance.
RMAFC’s Call for Compliance
RMAFC urged state governments to align their salary structures with approved guidelines to maintain order in Nigeria’s public finance system. The commission also called for collaboration between the federal and state governments to ensure effective implementation of salary policies.
Shehu reiterated that RMAFC remains committed to its mandate of promoting equity in the nation’s revenue allocation system. He called on relevant stakeholders, including labor unions and civil society organizations, to support the commission’s efforts in enforcing compliance with remuneration guidelines.
The RMAFC’s criticism of non-compliant states underscores the need for adherence to salary regulations to ensure economic stability, prevent labor unrest, and uphold good governance. With growing concerns over financial mismanagement, the commission’s stance serves as a reminder that state governments must operate within the framework of the law to foster a more sustainable public sector.
Source : Swifteradio.com
