The Federal Government has in the midst of the country’s worst economic crisis decided to increase the allowances of allowances for ministers, permanent secretaries and federal civil servants.
This is also in the midst of an over 7 months strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
This was made known in a circular signed by Ekpo U.A Nta, chairman of National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on August 31.
“The president of the federal republic of Nigeria has approved the upward review of duty tour allowances applicable to Permanent Secretary/Equivalent from N20,0000 to N70,000, and to minister/SGF/HCSF/Equivalent from N35,000 to N80,000,” Mr Nta wrote.
“All enquiries relating to this circular should be directed to the commission.”
The circular broke down the increment as follows: “GL 01 — 04 and its equivalent – N10,000 per diem
GL. 0S — 06 and its equivalent – N15,000 per diem
GL. 07-10 and its equivalent – N17,500 per diem
GL. 12 – 13 and its equivalent – N20,000 per diem
GL. 14-15 and its equivalent – N25,000 per diem
GL. 16 — 17 and its equivalent – N37,500 per diem
Permanent Secretary/Equivalent – N70,000 per diem
Minister/SGF/HCSF/Equivalent – N80,000 per day.”
And while the beneficiaries celebrated, many others castigated the Buhari-led Federal Government for such a move.