Even though it would be desirable, President Muhammadu Buhari explained on Friday, August 19, 2022 why the Federal Government was unable to raise the pay of public employees.
The Central Working Committee of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria was present when Buhari met with them at the State House in Abuja, according to a statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
President Buhari promised that the Oronsaye report will result in significant changes to our civil service.
In response to the committee’s demand that the salaries of civil servants be reviewed, the president stated that while such a review was urgently required due to global inflation, the Federal Government was operating under severe revenue constraints as a result of diverting resources to critical national security threats.
The President declared that he has ordered an immediate examination of the Orosanye White Paper Report in order for the Federal Government to carry out its main proposal.
When the evaluation was about to be finished, according to Buhari, its execution would result in some significant modifications to the civil service’s organisational structure.
The 2011 report, which includes recommendations for the merger and outright elimination of over 263 government institutions, has generated debate.
In order to save the government N2 billion, it was also suggested that the law establishing the National Salaries and Wages Commission be repealed and its duties transferred to the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Responsibility Commission.
The President said, “I have directed that the Orosanye White Paper Report be subjected to immediate review to enable the government to take the most appropriate decision on its general recommendation, while noting that public service, as the heart of government, should attract the best and the brightest.
He said, “I want to urge you to understand the income limitation the government is currently facing, which is mostly brought on by the acts of dishonest persons through the theft of our crude oil, a major contribution to our revenue base”
“This is compounded by the global economic downturn as a result of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war, which has led to price increases not just in the costs of goods and services globally, but also in the transportation of these goods and services across the globe”
“You are also aware of the enormous burden placed on our finances by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, let me note the significant investment we have had to make in security over the last seven years, which means other sectors of the economy have not been able to receive as much funding as we would have liked. Only when our country is secured that we are able to proceed and take on other aspects of our economic challenges.”
“I am aware that the review is about to be completed. While some may complain about the length of time it has taken thus far, the outcome of the various review teams will lead to some fundamental changes in the structure of our civil service and as such, it must be subjected to rigorous review and scrutiny before presentation and implementation.”
“Therefore, implementing your request for the payment of a bulk sum of gratuity to retired civil servants would negate the intent and provisions of the Act.
“It should be acknowledged that a change in the implementation of the Act will require an amendment by the National Assembly. But more importantly, the Pension Reform Act is a better designed and robust system that allows for safety of pensioners’ funds and their payment.”
The President stated that a committee was established under the direction of the Minister of Finance with the goal of harmonising salaries in the public sector, and that body was still in operation.
In order to determine how the 2023 budget estimates may account for an increase in the budget of the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, Buhari stated that the Head of Service of the Federation had been asked to coordinate with other pertinent governmental institutions.
