The Federal Government, through the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), has proposed a salary increase for political office holders, sparking outrage from organised labour.
RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, disclosed that the current salaries of the President, ministers, and other public office holders are "unrealistic, inadequate, and outdated." He noted that President Bola Tinubu earns N1.5 million monthly, while ministers receive less than N1 million, figures that have remained unchanged since 2008.
The official noted that while senators and House of Representatives members earn up to N30 million monthly, civil servants survive on a minimum wage of N70,000, and professors earn less than N400,000. "This inequality has destroyed the middle class and pushed millions into poverty," the official warned.
The RMAFC has also commenced a review of Nigeria's vertical revenue allocation formula, which has remained unchanged since 1992. The review aims to reflect "emerging socio-economic realities" and reduce the fiscal burden on state governments.
Experts have urged that any additional revenue accruing to states should be ring-fenced for capital projects, particularly in critical sectors like infrastructure, electricity, health, and education.
The controversy comes at a time when Nigerians are battling high living costs despite recent moderation in inflation. Labour leaders argue that instead of increasing politicians' pay, the government should focus on cutting governance costs, fixing local hospitals, and creating jobs.