ABUJA — The Federal Government is considering an upward review of salaries for political office holders, sparking nationwide outrage amid rising poverty and unimplemented minimum wage agreements across several states.
Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mohammed Shehu, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, noting that President Bola Tinubu currently earns N1.5 million monthly, while ministers receive less than N1 million — salaries that have remained unchanged since 2008.
“You are paying the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria N1.5 million a month, with a population of over 200 million people. Everybody believes that it is a joke,” Shehu argued, insisting that the pay structure for top officials no longer reflects reality.
He pointed out that some heads of government agencies earn up to twenty times more than ministers or even the Attorney-General of the Federation, a disparity he described as unjustifiable.
Backlash from Nigerians
The proposal has ignited fresh debate about the cost of governance, leadership priorities, and public trust in Africa’s largest democracy, where millions continue to grapple with inflation and widespread poverty.
Daily Post reports that Nigeria’s minimum wage was recently raised to N70,000 per month, but many states are yet to implement it, particularly for local government workers and teachers. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed in 2022 that over 133 million Nigerians — 63 percent of the population — live in multidimensional poverty.
“Nigeria Exists for Greedy Politicians” — Lecturer
Professor Chidiebere Nwachukwu of the University of Nigeria condemned the move, saying it highlights the government’s disregard for workers.
“It’s like Nigeria exists to care for greedy politicians while the masses are being ignored. Those who do the bulk of the work are paid peanuts,” he told Daily Post.
He warned that neglecting workers while prioritising politicians could provoke unrest:
“The President already has access to huge allowances. What we need is better pay for workers — teachers, lecturers, civil servants — not more money for overfed politicians.”
Wrong Priorities — Economist
Dr. Samson Simon, an economist with ARKK Economics and Data Limited, also faulted the plan, stressing that lawmakers already earn more than most of their peers globally.
“For a federal lawmaker, you’re talking about something in the region of N29 million monthly. That’s about $240,000 a year. Even in the richest countries, lawmakers don’t earn that much,” he said.
He argued that Nigeria’s wage structure drives people into politics for wealth rather than service. “Why pay a primary school teacher a fraction of that and expect results? The priorities are wrong.”
“It’s a Deception” — Legal Expert
Olu Omotayo, President of the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), dismissed the proposed salary hike as deceptive.
“Most politicians don’t even live on their salaries. Their allowances and travel perks already run into millions. Government should cut excessive allowances, not deceive Nigerians with salary reviews,” he said.
The proposal has further widened the gulf between citizens and leaders, reinforcing public perception that governance in Nigeria remains focused more on politicians’ comfort than the people’s welfare.
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