President Bola Tinubu’s administration has come under heavy criticism following revelations that the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is considering a review of salaries for political office-holders in Nigeria.
RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, argued earlier this week that the current earnings of the President and ministers were “outdated and inadequate,” noting that President Tinubu earns ₦1.5 million monthly, while ministers receive less than ₦1 million—a figure unchanged since 2008.
Shehu compared the President’s salary to those of heads of agencies, insisting that it was unjust for some officials to earn up to 20 times more than ministers and top political appointees.
🔹 Nationwide Backlash
The proposal sparked outrage across political, religious, and civic groups, who described it as “provocative, selfish, and insensitive” given the worsening hardship in the country.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) warned that the plan could fuel unrest. Its spokesperson, Prof. Tukur Baba, said:
“It is disappointing and insensitive. Over 60% of Nigerians live in poverty, and political leaders are the least deserving of any pay increase. Such a move could inflame passions and destabilise the country.”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also condemned the plan, calling it “tone-deaf” and urging government to suspend the move immediately. The party stressed that while politicians enjoy allowances and perks, millions of Nigerians survive on the ₦70,000 minimum wage—already eroded by inflation.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the proposal as “unconscionable,” noting that it highlights the disconnect between political elites and ordinary Nigerians. PDP youth leader, Timothy Osadolor, said:
“How can politicians talk about salary increases when a bag of rice costs almost ₦100,000 and families can barely survive on ₦70,000?”
Similarly, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) branded the idea as “greedy and morally bankrupt,” pointing out that in other nations facing crises, leaders cut their own pay as a show of sacrifice.
🔹 Religious & Civic Outrage
The Northern CAN declared the move “wicked and selfish,” while Chief Chekwas Okorie, founder of APGA, warned that the policy could “trigger a revolution” given the level of anger and hunger across the country.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) described the proposed 114% salary increase as a “scandalous mis-step” and urged government to instead focus on improving workers’ welfare and security personnel pay, not enriching politicians.
🔹 Call for Priorities
Critics argue that the timing of the salary review is misplaced, as Nigerians continue to grapple with rising fuel prices, food inflation, and widespread poverty.
Instead of pushing for higher salaries for political elites, stakeholders insist that government should:
- Prioritise raising minimum wage to a livable standard.
- Reduce the extravagant allowances of political office-holders.
- Focus on policies that address inflation, unemployment, and hunger.
For many Nigerians, the message is clear: leaders must share in the sacrifice, not shield themselves from it.
