The Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that request for the review of remuneration of the political and public office holders receive fair consideration in the ongoing review exercise.
Dr. Shehu gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from the Council of Retired Permanent Secretaries on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday 31st June 2026.
The delegation was led by Elder Akin Arikawe, OON, National Vice Chairman who was accompanied by the Council members including Mallam Sabiu Zakari, Jeff Nwosu, OON, and Silas Ayuba.
Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman described the retired Permanent Secretaries as one of the pillars upon which Nigeria’s public service has been built and commended their immense contributions to policy formulation and national development over the years.
He noted that their experience and institutional memory remain invaluable to government, saying, “Nothing can replace the experience of an experienced public servant. You are still relevant in shaping policy and advising government on intricate national issues.”
Dr. Shehu disclosed that the Commission had already concluded its review of which substantial parts of the issues canvassed by the retired Permanent Secretaries haver been captured and forwarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for consideration.
He assured the delegation of the Commission’s support. He said, “We have carefully considered your case within our constitutional mandate and submitted our recommendations. We remain fully supportive of initiatives that will ensure retired Permanent Secretaries live dignified lives after years of meritorious service.”
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the Council, Elder Akin Arikawe, OON, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the Commission and appreciating its commitment to addressing issues affecting retired Permanent Secretaries.
He explained that the Council, guided by its motto, “Continuous Improvement,” was established to harness the wealth of experience of retired Permanent Secretaries in supporting government through policy advice, institutional memory and constructive engagement on national issues. He stressed that the Council remained committed to contributing meaningfully to reforms that would strengthen governance and public administration in Nigeria.
Also speaking, Hon. Ismail Mohammed Agaka and Hon. Rakiya Tanko Ayuba Haruna, mni, Federal Commissioners representing Kwara and Kebbi States respectively, paid glowing tributes to members of the Council, describing them as distinguished administrators whose wealth of experience was instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s economic and governance policies. They noted that the nation would continue to benefit from their institutional knowledge and urged the Council to sustain its engagement in mentoring younger public servants and supporting ongoing reforms.
In his remarks, Dr. U.K. Umar, mni, Director of Allocation Department and the Overseeing Director of the Fiscal Efficiency Department, informed the delegation that the Commission had commenced work on the issues raised by the Council. He disclosed that consultations were ongoing to review the existing legal framework and address the Council’s requests in line with the Commission’s recommendations and extant laws.
The courtesy visit ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustained collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s public service, preserving institutional memory and promoting good governance.
Inset: RMAFC Chairman, Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR; 4th R: National Vice Chairman of Retired Council and Head of the Delegation, Elder Akin Arikawe; 2nd R: Hon. Ismalia Mohammed Agaka (FC Kwara State); 1st L: Hon. (Barr) Rakiya Tanko Ayuba- Haruna (FC Kebbi State); 1st R: Director of Allocation and Physical Efficiency, Dr. U.K Umar, 3rd L: Executive Member of Retired Council, Mr. Jeff C.T Nwosu, 3rd R: Financial Secretary of Retired Council, Alhaji Sabiu Zakaria, 2nd R: Administrative Secretary, Mr Silas T. Aluba, during the Courtesy visit of the Retired Council to the Commission.
Maryam Umar Yusuf, mnipr
Head, Information and Public Unit
RMAFC