- Opposition parties reject salary rise for political office holders amid worsening economic conditions.
- Leaders described the proposal as “out of touch” and a sign of selfishness during widespread hardship.
- Calls for government to focus on raising minimum wage and reducing cost of governance instead.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) have collectively rejected the proposed salary hike for top political office holders.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the parties described the move as “insensitive,” “out of touch,” and “poorly timed” given Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges.
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The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) had announced plans to review the salaries of the President, Vice President, ministers, governors, and other senior officials whose pay has not been adjusted since 2008, arguing that the current pay structure is outdated.
However, opposition parties view the proposal as a display of greed and a glaring disconnect from the harsh realities faced by everyday Nigerians who are grappling with inflation, hunger, and a stagnant minimum wage of ₦70,000.
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, described the salary review as “a worrying sign of how detached the government is from the people.”
He questioned the rationale behind the salaries, noting, “If these salaries were truly meaningful, how else do political office holders maintain their lavish lifestyles?”
Abdullahi further argued that the review is “nothing more than selfishness dressed up as reform.” He pointed out that “pushing for a pay rise while millions struggle with rising food prices, fuel costs, and inadequate minimum wages shows a lack of concern for citizens. This is not leadership, it is self-interest at the expense of the people.”
Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, NNPP’s South-West leader, condemned the proposal as “a blatant disregard for the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.”
He stressed, “It is completely inappropriate to seek salary increases for political leaders when workers are fighting for a living wage. True leaders reduce their own spending before asking citizens to sacrifice.”
Oguntoyinbo also highlighted global examples, saying, “In other countries facing tough economic times, leaders cut their pay to stand with their people. Nigeria’s leaders should follow suit instead of enriching themselves while the public suffers.”
Similarly, Timothy Osadolor, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, called the salary hike “highly insensitive” and “a betrayal of public trust.”
He noted, “Raising salaries amid hunger, inflation, and the devaluation of the naira is unacceptable. Leaders should focus on cutting costs and improving transparency, not boosting their pay.”
Osadolor warned that ignoring the economic hardships of Nigerians could “ignite widespread anger,” urging the government to prioritize “relieving the suffering of ordinary citizens rather than enriching the political class.”
The opposition parties jointly called on the Federal Government to halt the salary review and instead concentrate on increasing the minimum wage to a livable level, reducing government expenditure, and tackling the widespread economic difficulties facing millions.
Ajadi of the NNPP emphasized, “What Nigeria needs right now is fiscal responsibility, not politicians growing richer while citizens endure hardship.”
Abdullahi of the ADC added, “Government policies should prioritize helping vulnerable Nigerians rather than lining the pockets of political elites.”
