Members of the Buhari’s cabinet have formally received their official letters of appointment signed by the Secretary to The Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachir David Lawal.
Here’s the content of the letter:
“I am pleased to inform you that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has appointed you as a Minister in the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
“The appointment takes effect from 11th November, 2015 under the following Terms and Conditions of Service as contained in “Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders(Salaries and Allowances, etc) (Amendment ) Act 2008.”
“I am to add that your tenure terminates at the end of this Administration unless otherwise decided by Mr. President. Please accept my heartiest congratulations and best wishes on your appointment.”
See the breakdown of their Salaries
A substantive minister will earn N2, 026, 400 Annual Basic Salary($8,514.285), Minister of State is to get N1.8million($7,563.025) per annum.
Other highlights of the conditions include: Estacode Allowance($900 per diem); Duty Tour Allowance(N35,000); Utilities Allowance(Telephone/ Electricity/ Water)–30% of Annual Basic Salary (N607,920); Domestic Staff Allowance(75% -((N1,519,800) of Annual Basic Salary; Medical Facilities (in accordance with NHIS Policy); Special Assistant (To be provided in kind); Security (To be provided in kind); Air Travel (By Business Class); Newspaper Allowance (15% of Annual Basic Salary-N303,960).
“Severance Allowance of 300 %of Annual Basic Salary payable after full tenure of office with government. The allowance will be pro-rated after a minimum of two years tenure.
It added: “200 % of Annual Basic Salary (N4,052,800) will be paid to you to enable you to acquire accommodation of your choice in line with monetization policy.
“Furniture Allowance. 300 %(N6,079,200) of Annual Basic Salary will be paid once in every four years. The allowance will be paid annually at the rate of 75% (N1,519,800) of Annual Basic salary.
Motor Vehicle Fuelling Maintenance Allowance. 75% of Annual Basic Salary (N1,519,800) for the maintenance of your vehicle(s) as Government no longer provides chauffeur driven vehicles to Political Office Holders/Public Officers for house to office running.
Annual Leave (30 calendar days for each leave year or calculated on pro-rata basis, with 10% of Annual Basic Salary(N202,640) as leave grant); Personal Assistant Allowance (25% of Annual Basic salary to enable you to employ a Personal Assistant of your choice).”
A very important part ofthe letter states that “As a Political Office Holder, you must obtain permission from Mr. President before you travel out of Abuja. If the trip is official, Ministers are entitled to a Duty Tour Allowance of N35,000 per diem. However, all private journeys will attract no Allowance.
With the salary presented to the ministers, one would begin to ask questions. Would the Buhari ministers be able to cope with the reduction of their take-home unlike what it entailed during the Jonathan’s administration?
Can they still cover their bills, be reminded that these ministers have children in one of the most expensive schools here in Nigeria and outside the country?
Generally will they be able to cope or would a minister get involved with shady deals that will quickly meet up with his or her needs.
Dr. Chris Ngige had earlier said in one of his interview granted to newsmen during the ministers retreat (shortly before the were sworn-in) that “there will be no retinue of aides, protocol staff and large convoys for incoming ministers in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, a minister-designate.”
This surely is a confirmation to that statement. Is this a sign of what is ahead in the nearest future for Nigerians as it affects belt tightening, or is this a means of cutting down government cost right from the cost, will this exercise equally run down to various parastatals and agencies of government? Time will surely tell.
Tell us what you think about this salary release from the SGF
