The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to suspend its plan to increase the remuneration of political office holders, describing the move as “insensitive, unjust, and inequitable.”
RMAFC chairman Mohammed Shehu had recently disclosed that President Bola Tinubu earns ₦1.5 million monthly while ministers receive less than ₦1 million, noting that the figures have remained unchanged since 2008. He argued that the pay structure was due for review.
But in a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, NLC President Joe Ajaero warned that the proposed salary adjustment would widen the gap between civil servants and political office holders, further impoverishing ordinary Nigerians.
“The move will only succeed in deepening the growing inequality between civil servants and political office holders. It will equally deepen poverty among the generality of Nigerians, majority of whom have not only been adjudged to be multi-dimensionally poor, [but] live miserably poor,” Ajaero said.
He demanded that the current earnings of political office holders, as well as the benchmarks for the proposed review, be made public. “RMAFC should put on hold this exercise before it triggers a tsunami,” the labour leader warned.
Ajaero also criticised the commission’s justification, saying the privileges and perks already enjoyed by politicians far outweigh the official salaries, while civil servants continue to endure a wage freeze despite rising costs of living.
He recalled that the last wage review for civil servants was not more than 50 percent, while political office holders received increases of over 800 percent. He further noted that, unlike civil servants whose pay varies across states, political office holders enjoy uniform pay nationwide, with a councillor in Yobe earning the same as a councillor in Rivers State.
While acknowledging the importance of fair compensation, Ajaero insisted it must be applied equitably and across board, in line with constitutional principles.
The NLC has now formally demanded transparency on current and proposed earnings, and an immediate halt to the exercise, warning of possible nationwide consequences if the plan proceeds.
