FG Considers Salary Increase for Political Office Holders, Labour Opposes Move
The Federal Government, through the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), is considering an upward review of salaries for political office holders, sparking backlash from organised labour.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, RMAFC Chairman Mohammed Shehu described the current salaries of public officials as “inadequate, unrealistic, and outdated,” noting they have remained unchanged since 2008.
What Politicians Earn Today
Shehu revealed that President Bola Tinubu currently earns ₦1.5 million monthly, while ministers receive less than ₦1 million.
“You are paying the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ₦1.5m a month, with a population of over 200 million people. Everybody believes that it is a joke,” he said.
He added that heads of agencies like the CBN governor and directors-general often earn up to 10–20 times more than the President or the Attorney-General of the Federation, which he described as unfair.
The commission, however, clarified that its constitutional mandate covers only political, judicial, and legislative office holders — not civil service workers or the national minimum wage.
Labour Pushes Back
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly rejected the proposal, arguing that the real issue lies not in official salaries but in the hidden perks and allowances that inflate politicians’ earnings.
“The President’s salary may be ₦1.5m a month, but with allowances, the total package can exceed ₦100m,” a senior NLC official told The Punch.
Labour also highlighted the sharp inequality between politicians and ordinary Nigerians. While some lawmakers reportedly earn up to ₦30m monthly, the new minimum wage stands at ₦70,000, and professors take home less than ₦400,000.
“This inequality has destroyed the middle class and pushed millions into poverty,” the official said, warning that the government risks instability if it continues to prioritise the political class.
Revenue Formula Under Review
Alongside the salary debate, RMAFC also announced plans to review Nigeria’s revenue allocation formula, which has remained unchanged since 1992.
Currently, the formula allocates 52.68% to the Federal Government, 26.72% to states, and 20.60% to local governments, with an additional 4.18% set aside for special funds.
Shehu said the review would reflect “emerging socio-economic realities” and involve consultations with the Presidency, National Assembly, governors, civil society, and development partners.
Expert Opinion
Finance expert Prof. Uche Uwaleke urged that any additional funds allocated to states be ring-fenced for infrastructure and social services.
“Funds should be directed towards capital projects like electricity, railways, health, and education, not just recurrent expenses,” he said.
He also recommended benchmarking Nigeria’s revenue formula against other federations such as Canada, Brazil, and India.
