By: Joy Musa
A wave of public anger is sweeping across Nigeria following the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission’s (RMAFC) proposal to increase the salaries of political office holders by over 100%, a move widely condemned as insensitive and unjustifiable amid the country’s worsening economic crisis.
The proposal, which would benefit top officials including the President, Vice President, governors, and ministers, has sparked fierce criticism from civil society groups, labour unions, and political figures. Many argue that the timing of the proposal when inflation is soaring, fuel prices are crippling households, and the national minimum wage remains inadequate—is a blatant display of greed and disconnect from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
“This is not just tone-deaf it’s a scandalous prioritisation of elite comfort over the basic welfare of the masses,” said a spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has called for the immediate suspension of the plan.
Critics point out that while the President officially earns ₦1.5 million monthly, the total compensation package when allowances for housing, transportation, domestic staff, and other perks are included can exceed ₦100 million annually. Meanwhile, entry-level civil servants earn as little as ₦70,000 per month, often without additional benefits, and many public workers face delayed or unpaid salaries.
Security personnel, particularly police officers, are among those most affected. Despite being overworked and underpaid, their welfare continues to be sidelined in favour of political elites. The disparity has raised concerns about morale and the sustainability of public service delivery.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi joined the chorus of dissent, stating: “Political office is a service to the nation, not a means to accumulate wealth. The RMAFC’s reckless haste in prioritising the greed of politicians over the desperate needs of the masses is not only provocative but scandalous.”
Labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have warned that the proposed salary hike could further erode public trust in government and deepen socioeconomic inequality. They argue that instead of enriching politicians, the government should focus on raising the minimum wage to a living standard, ensuring timely payment of civil servants, and strengthening social welfare programs.
As the backlash intensifies, many Nigerians are calling for a complete overhaul of the compensation system for public officials, demanding transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
The RMAFC, however, maintains that the current salary structure is outdated and unrealistic, citing the need to align remuneration with responsibilities. But for millions of Nigerians struggling to survive, this justification rings hollow.
