A proposed increase in salaries for political office holders in Nigeria has sparked widespread outrage and criticism from various stakeholders.
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) recently revealed plans to review the pay structure for politicians, citing that current earnings are “outdated” and “unrealistic”. According to the commission, President Bola Tinubu currently earns N1.5 million monthly, while ministers receive less than N1 million, figures that have remained unchanged since 2008.
Many Nigerians have expressed disappointment and frustration with the proposal, describing it as “insensitive and unjustifiable” considering the country’s current economic situation. “The proposed increment is coming at a time when most Nigerians are going through economic hardship,” said Williams Osaze, President of the Society for the Promotion of People’s Rights. “The timing is wrong, and the proposed increment is not necessary in any way this period,” added Dr. Anthony Adeleke, a medical practitioner in the FCT.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also condemned the proposal, warning that it could trigger a tsunami and deepen poverty among Nigerians. “The move is insensitive, unjust, and inequitable, and will only succeed in deepening the growing inequality between civil servants and political office holders,” the NLC stated. The congress demanded that the current earnings of all political office holders be made public and that the benchmark for the proposed review be disclosed.
Civil society groups and opposition parties have also expressed their opposition to the proposed salary hike. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) described the move as “tone-deaf” and an “affront” to Nigerians facing severe economic hardship. “The proposed 114% salary increase for political office holders is not only unjustifiable but also tone-deaf, considering the economic realities facing our country,” the ADC stated.
The RMAFC has defended its proposal, citing the need to maintain realistic remuneration that reflects the responsibilities of political office holders. However, many Nigerians argue that the hidden perks and allowances enjoyed by politicians are more than their salaries. “The President’s salary may be about N1.5m a month, but when allowances are added, the total package can exceed N100 million,” an NLC official said.
The controversy surrounding the proposed salary hike has sparked a national debate on the compensation of political office holders. While some argue that the salaries are too low, others believe that the timing is wrong and that the government should prioritize the welfare of civil servants and other Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.
The Presidency has denied approving any salary increase for political office holders, stating that no proposal has been brought before President Tinubu for consideration. The fate of the proposed salary hike remains uncertain, but one thing is clear – it has sparked a heated debate that will likely continue in the coming days.
