Public Backlash Grows Over RMAFC’s Proposed Salary Increase for Nigerian Politicians

Nigerians Condemn RMAFC’s Proposed Salary Increase Amid Widespread Hardship

As the country grapples with mounting financial pressures, a growing number of stakeholders are calling on the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to suspend its proposed salary review for political office holders.

RMAFC Chair Cites Outdated Honoraria

On Monday, RMAFC Chairman Mohammed Shehu made headlines by describing the current salaries of high-ranking government officials as “inadequate, unrealistic, and outdated.” He pointed out that the President’s monthly salary of ₦1.5 million and ministers earning under ₦1 million have remained unchanged since 2008, creating an imbalance when compared to other high-profile public servants.

“You pay a CBN governor 10 times what the President earns… or agency heads 20 times more than the Attorney-General,” Shehu noted.

Stakeholders Decry Insensitive Timing for Proposed Salary Increase

The suggestion sparked immediate backlash from across the political spectrum and civic groups, who branded it provocative, insensitive, and poorly timed.

NNPP Weighs In

Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the NNPP’s South-West leader, slammed the Proposed Salary Increase as “insensitive to Nigerians’ hardship,” urging that true leadership entails sacrifice—not salary hikes. He invoked global examples:

“In New Zealand, ministers took a 20% pay cut during the pandemic; Ireland trimmed parliamentary salaries by 30% in the 2008 crisis.”

Opposition Parties Unite in Rejection

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) echoed similar sentiments:

• The ADC lambasted the proposal as “tone-deaf” and disconnected from the harsh realities facing Nigerians. ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that political leaders already enjoy hidden allowances.
• PDP Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor called the move “highly insensitive” and warned it could ignite mass discontent.
• CUPP Secretary Peter Ameh described the focus on elite enrichment over public welfare as misplaced priorities.

Related Topic: Federal Government Considers Salary Increase for Political Office Holders

Economic Realities Paint a Stark Contrast

Nigeria is in economic distress:

• Thousands face multidimensional poverty.
• The ₦70,000 minimum wage is widely considered inadequate and often unpaid.
• Basic living costs are soaring, from food to fuel.

Against this backdrop, many see salary increases for elites as morally indefensible. A core criticism is the disconnect between the ruling class and everyday Nigerians, many of whom are struggling to survive.

Stakeholder Quotes Amplify the Message

“How else do these political office holders support their luxury lifestyles if these outdated salaries were meaningful?” — ADC.

“This smells of tone-deafness and greed… leadership by indulgence will not unite Nigeria.” — NNPP

“Rather than enriching political elites, policies should prioritize those most vulnerable.” — ADC