- RMAFC says salaries of Nigerian political office holders are outdated and need urgent review.
- Labour union opposes the plan, citing inequality and hidden political benefits.
- Revenue-sharing formula under review for first time since 1992.
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has revealed plans to review the salaries of political office holders in Nigeria
According to the commission, their current earnings no longer reflect the economic realities and growing responsibilities tied to their positions.
Eko Hot Blog reports that speaking in Abuja on Monday, the RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, described the current remuneration for top government officials as “inadequate” and “unrealistic,” stressing that the pay structure has remained unchanged since 2008.
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According to Shehu, the President of Nigeria earns just N1.5 million monthly, while ministers take home less than N1 million.
“With a population of over 200 million people, paying the President N1.5 million a month makes it seem like a joke,” he said.
He further questioned the disparity in pay between political leaders and heads of some government agencies, pointing out that, “Some directors-general or heads of institutions earn ten to twenty times more than the President or the Attorney-General of the Federation. That’s clearly not balanced.”
While acknowledging the public’s frustration, Shehu maintained that a realistic and fair salary for political leaders was necessary to support performance and reduce underhand dealings.
“We need support from the public to ensure that political office holders receive reasonable and livable salaries,” he added.
Responding to the development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) criticised the proposed salary adjustment, warning that it could worsen the already growing inequality.
The NLC argued that the proposal ignores the numerous unofficial benefits and allowances politicians currently enjoy.
Clarifying the scope of the commission’s responsibilities, Shehu stated that RMAFC does not handle the minimum wage or salaries of civil servants but is strictly mandated by the constitution to fix the pay of political, legislative, and judicial office holders.
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