FG is reportedly considering upward review of political office holders salaries amid backlash.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has announced plans to review the salaries of political office holders in Nigeria for the first time since 2008.
RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, revealed at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, August 18, that President Bola Tinubu currently earns ₦1.5 million monthly, while ministers receive less than ₦1 million. He described the figures as “a joke” compared to the weight of responsibilities they bear.
“You are paying the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ₦1.5m a month, with a population of over 200 million people. Everybody believes that it is a joke,” Shehu said.
He further noted the imbalance in earnings between political leaders and heads of government agencies, stating that some directors-general and the Central Bank Governor earn up to 20 times more than ministers and even the Attorney-General of the Federation.
However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) swiftly rejected the proposal, warning that any upward salary adjustment for politicians would worsen inequality and ignore the lavish allowances and perks they already enjoy.
Shehu clarified that RMAFC’s mandate only covers salaries of political, judicial, and legislative office holders not civil servants or public sector workers.
“We are strictly restricted to political office holders, governors, senators, legislators, ministers, DGs, and others,” he said.
