The Nigerian National Assembly has approved an annual basic salary of N3.5 million (about US$ 30,000) for President Umaru Yar’Adua, according to Friday’s edition of most Nigerian newspapers.
They reported that the new salary structure followed the passage of a bill on the Salaries and Allowances of certain political, public and judicial office holders Act 2002 and Other Matters Connected thereto, 2008, signed by the Harmonisation Committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The president who has been receiving treatment in a German hospital is due back home today, his chief spokesman, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, said Thursday.
Under the new dispensation, the basic annual salary of the President is N3,514,705 as against the former N1.405 million.
This is besides allowances which bring the total remuneration of the President in a year to N10.899 million (about US$ 93,000).
The harmonised version of the Act released by the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Rules and Business, Chief Ita Enang, showed that an annual basic salary of N3,031,572.50 was approved for Vice President Goodluck Jonathan.
Chief of Staff to the President, Ministers, Secretary to the Government of the Federation as well as the Head of Civil Service of the Federation would earn N2,026,400.00 annually.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria would earn N3,363,972.50 while the Justices of the Supreme Court and President of the Court of Appeal are to earn N2,477,110.00 each .
Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, and Justice of the Court of Appeal would earn N1,995,430.18 each.
An annual basic salary of N908,321.00 was approved for Area Council Chairmen while Area Council Vice Chairmen would earn N853,056.00 annually.
Supervisory Councillor of Area Council is to earn N809,300.00, Secretary N809,30 0.00 while Special Adviser is to earn N760,076.00.