Buhari approves increase in allowances of civil servants

Ministers, permanent secretaries and civil servants in Nigeria, on grade level (GL) one to 17 will from September 1 start to enjoy an increment in their official benefits.

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday approved the increase of duty tour allowances (DTAs) for the officials.

DTA is the money paid to appointees and graded staff in ministries when they embark on an official trip.

Ekpo Nta, head of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission conveyed the presidential assent.

The circular announcing the approval said it took effect on September 1.

The circular reads in part, “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has approved the upward review of Duty Tour Allowances applicable to Permanent Secretary/Equivalent from N20, 000 to N70,000, and Minister/SGF/HCSF/Equivalent from N35,000 to N80,000.

“Given the above, and further to our Circular No. SWC/S/04/S.6/11/208 dated 2nd February 2022 on the above-mentioned subject, the comprehensive list of officers and their Duty Tour Allowances are as follows:- Grade Level 01-04, 10,000 per diem; Grade Level 05-06 and its equivalent 15,000 per diem, Grade Level 07-10 and its equivalent, N17,500 per diem; Grade Level 12-13 and its equivalent, N20,000 per diem; Grade Level 14-15 and its equivalent, N25,000 per diem; Grade Level 16-17 and its equivalent, N37,500 per diem.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress and Civil Society Organizations have reacted to the review by the National, Income and Wages Commission with outrage saying its focus on salaries of top government functionaries rather than workers is unfair.