By Kingston Magare 21.8.2025
The Nigerian political leadership has been described as greedy and insensitive for contemplating a huge pay rise as Nigerians continue to groan over the hardships, the economic polices the President Tinubu administration has unleashed on them.
On Tuesday, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), proposed a review of the salaries which would see the President, Vice-President, governors, and other top government officials receive substantial pay raises.
Human rights lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi, said this was crass insensitivity.
“The announcement is an affront to the suffering of the Nigerian masses who have endured starvation and intense economic pressure since the removal of petrol subsidy in May 2023. It is a disrespect to middle-class Nigerians whose eating formula has changed from three meals per day to zero to one meal,” he said.
He highlighted the stark contrast between the proposed pay rise and the plight of average workers earning the minimum wage of N70,000.
“It is insulting to the average Nigerian worker that senators and house of representatives members, who already earn jumbo pay monthly, are being considered for a pay increase,” he added.
Citing disclosures from 2024, Olajengbesi said some senators earn between N13 million and N21 million monthly, with Yakubu Dogara, former speaker of the house of representatives, reportedly receiving N25 million monthly.
He also referenced claims that senators receive hundreds of millions in constituency project allocations annually.
“It is utterly unthinkable that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) would consider increasing the salaries and allowances of political officeholders who already rake in millions and billions yearly,” he said.
Also, presidential aspirant Peter Obi writing on his X social media platform stated: “The recent proposal by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission to increase the salaries of political leaders is causing widespread anger and bitterness among Nigerians, and we share the concerns of many Nigerians who question the necessity and timing of this proposal.
“Such thinking in the face of faster-eroding living standards of the people not only portrays the insensitivity of leaders but also exposes their greed.
“The RMAFC’s reckless haste in prioritising the greed of Politicians over the desperate needs of the masses is not only provocative but scandalous.
“It’s a shameless grab for more at the expense of Nigeria’s struggling majority!
“The proposed over 100% salary increase for political office holders is totally unjustifiable considering the economic realities facing our country.”
President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima...