President Muhammad Buhari has said an urgent pay review of federal civil servants is needed due to high inflation rates around the world. NAN quoted the president as saying on Friday when a delegation from the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) visited the state capital in Abuja.
The country’s inflation rate rose to 19.64% in July 2022 from 18.60% the previous month, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Buhari said the war between Russia and Ukraine has pushed up prices for goods and services around the world.
“I wish to urge you to appreciate the revenue constraints being presently faced by the government which is caused mainly by the activities of unscrupulous citizens through the theft of our crude oil, a major contributor to our revenue base,” he said.
“This is compounded by the global economic downturn as a result of the on-going 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 will we be able to proceed and take on other aspects of our economic challenges.”
The president said the implementation of the Orosanye report would lead to a “fundamental change” for federal civil servants.
“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 would 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.”
Source: The Cable
