The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, has initiated the process of reviewing the remuneration packages of political, public and judicial office holders.

The review would also affect allowances and other perks of office.

The commission chairman, Elias Mbam, on Wednesday, said the process has already begun in earnest, adding that the commission has inaugurated a committee to look at the provisions of Section 32 (d) of Part 1 of the Third Schedule of the Remuneration Act 2008 in order to determine the appropriate remuneration for political office holders.

The Act in question prescribes the salaries and allowances for political, public and judicial office holders.

Mbam said the committee would undertake wide consultations with critical stakeholders, including national and state assemblies, state and local governments, professional economic bodies, the organised labour, the academia, the media and Nigerians in general to ensure that the final report it presents is effective.

He added that the committee members would need to ensure that “the review effectively minimizes wastages and abuses and ensures prudent management of resources as well.”

Mbam, who said the exercise is expected to be completed before the end of September, explained that the process is in line with the present government’s resolve to cut down on wastage and needless public expenditure..

He also noted that the committee would take into consideration the prevailing realities, in terms of inflation and downturn in global crude oil prices.

Chairman of the remuneration review committee, Abdullahi Inde, assured the commission that the committee will carry out its work judiciously and called on Nigerians to provide the needed data.

Nigerians have consistently called on the government to review downwards the emoluments of public and political office holders who have been accused of earning far above the approved rates by the commission.

Recently some political leaders like Kaduna state governor, Nasir el-Rufai, slashed their emoluments in line with economic realities.