BNW News: ThisDay: Leave Okonjo-Iweala, Adeniji Alone

For over a week now, a controversy, largely invented, has been raging over the revelation that the salaries of two of my colleagues, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Finance) and Ambassador Olu Adeniji, (Foreign Affairs) are being partly paid in dollars. I am constrained to throw more light on the issue not only because I have an interest in the matter as a minister of the Government of the Federation but also because I am privileged to know a little bit more about the issue than most of those who have been expressing views on the matter. I am also motivated by the desire to ensure that this needless controversy does not damage the vital interests of this country by discouraging Nigerians in the Diaspora from contributing to the development of this country. This nation needs every willing and capable citizen to contribute especially at this time that the country is building a foundation for sustainable growth in all sectors.

First of all, I wish to state that there is no truth in the suggestion that those of us in the Federal Executive Council who are not benefiting from the Diaspora Fund are upset. I certainly am not because when national service is involved, we need to look at the larger issues in order to rise above petty consideration. Besides, contrary to a news story in one of the dailies which set off the controversy, the Federal Executive Council has never discussed the issue of pay differentials, at any point in time.

Beyond that, the point needs to be emphasised that the cost of paying the two ministers is mainly underwritten by the Multidonor Trust Fund. This is an international fund similar to that which many other countries are using to attract highly qualified nationals home to contribute to the advancement of their nation. This is not something that Nigeria invented, it is a popular international practice. From Yugoslavia to China, and even Afghanistan, nations are benefiting immensely from similar arrangements. So, what is wrong with Nigeria doing the same? Are critics suggesting that Nigerians abroad should be kept away in deference to some obscure notion of naira patriotism?

Some critics have said that it is wrong to pay public officers in a foreign currency. I am sorry but I cannot appreciate their logic. Is it not a fact that many Nigerians abroad like their counterparts elsewhere still have running financial obligations in the countries where they were trained and where they made their names as high-achieving experts in various fields? If a trust fund such as the one out of which my two colleagues are being paid makes it possible for them to pay vital bills so that they can concentrate on the important national assignments they have been given what is wrong with that? What is wrong with paying children's tuition fees, running mortgage costs and repaying student loans? Are we suggesting that qualified persons who are invited to serve should lose their homes, abandon their responsibilities and their families to work for their country? That cannot be in the interest of the nation or the individuals concerned. Let me emphasise again that my colleagues are not here collecting dollars to live on in the Nigerian environment. The money goes straight to pay children's university tuition, medical insurance, mortgage and other financial obligations these ministers had when they were called.

I absolutely disagree with those who say that the President's right to pick qualified persons to serve at any level of government should be circumscribed by the kind of false patriotism some writers have referred to. Nigeria will be the loser if this kind of mindset is allowed to win. Those who are stoking the fires of hatred against the ministers involved and the government in general over this issue are doing a disservice to this nation. It is even more worrisome that some of the attacks are obviously orchestrated and behind the patriotic posturing, very self-serving.

My personal experience certainly qualifies me to speak out on this issue. When I was heading the Bureau of Public Enterprises, my basic salary as Director-General was one million naira. Fifteen of my staff were earning the Dollar equivalent of five million naira and above. I did not mind because they were being paid by bilateral donors kind enough to bring their expertise to our service at the BPE. Even now at the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), some of my personal staff earn salaries higher than mine courtesy of domestic, bilateral and multilateral donor support. That is why between 1999 when I began working for government and now my colleagues at El-Rufai and Partners Chartered Quantity Surveyors have subsidised me to the tune of N16.5 million because I am not prepared to steal. But many highly qualified technocrats like my two colleagues do not have this option. In fact, it is disconcerting to me that two wonderful Nigerians who decided to leave what they were doing to serve their country should be villified instead of receiving accolades. This is plain wrong. Why are these critics crying more than the bereaved? No minister is complaining, so who is?

I am particularly upset about a writer whom I used to respect. I was rather surprised that he would degenerate to "Area Boy" journalism making pejorative references to the ministers with little analysis. The level of degeneration and desperation that the enemies of the economic reform that Mr. President is spearheading is truly incredible.

I wish to say here and now that those that think that stunts would deter the ministers from their jobs are making a mistake. Their jobs will be done, and we will fight back. Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a national icon and a great leader. Ambassador Olu Adeniji is a tested international diplomat. Leave them alone to do their jobs. As long as there is a God in heaven, those against the progress these Ministers are making shall fail because Nigeria must make progress. God bless Nigeria!

El-Rufai is Minister of Federal Capital Territory