Defence Minister, Musiliu Obanikoro, Makes False Claim About His Annual Pay

The former Nigerian ambassador in Ghana, while  he ridiculing Lagos State government’s claim of constructing low-cost houses for residents on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily, said that his basic salary as minister is N2 million, and N4million if allowances are included.

Obanikoro, who joined the cabinet less than two months ago,  said the claim is deceptive as the buildings were being sold by the Lagos authorities for N16 million per two-bedroom apartment, and as such cannot be categorized as “low-cost”.

The claims do not conform to rates provided by the Revenues Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, the government body responsible for specifying the earnings of political office holders and judicial workers.

Under the 2008 Remuneration Act, ministers are classified alongside the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of Service and Chairpersons of statutory bodies such as INEC and National Human Rights Commission.

Though officials receive N2.026 million as basic annual salaries, If the payment is based on the new proposal by RMFAC, then with car and furniture, the minister’s earning could rise as high as N8.6 million.