By Emmanuel Nduka
Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has approved the upward review of Duty Tour Allowances (DTAs) for ministers, permanent secretaries and federal civil servants on Grade level 1 to 17.
The approval was conveyed in a circular dated August 31, by the Chairman of National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, Ekpo Nta.
According to the circular, the new allowances take effect from September 1.
“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.
“All enquiries relating to this circular should be directed to the commission,” the chairman said.
Below is the new DTA as approved by Buhari for the aforementioned public servants;
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 diem
Meanwhile, the increase comes at a time when Nigeria is battling economic problems, which has seen government revenue plummet while its debt has spiralled.
The government’s 2022 budget has a deficit of over N7 trillion, and debt servicing has surpassed revenue this year.
Advocates that have championed the call for a cut in the cost of governance, have identified personnel cost for civil servants and the overhead costs of thousands of offices as holes needs to be plugged.
