The reported plan to increase the salaries of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, lawmakers, ministers, and other political office holders has sparked outrage across the country, with citizens describing the move as insensitive and deceptive amid biting poverty and rising inflation.
According to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), President Tinubu currently earns about N1.5 million monthly, a figure that has remained unchanged since 2008. The Commission hinted at reviewing the salaries of political leaders, citing the long delay.
But the disclosure has provoked widespread anger, with critics pointing out that politicians already enjoy hefty allowances, estacodes, and other hidden perks, while ordinary workers continue to struggle under the burden of a poorly implemented N70,000 minimum wage.
Civil society groups and labour unions have condemned the idea, stressing that the priority should be to cut wastage in governance, reduce bloated allowances, and channel resources into tackling inflation, food insecurity, and unemployment.
Economic experts also warned that such a move, if implemented, could fuel social unrest at a time when Nigerians are already agitating over high living costs.
“This is misplaced, deceptive, and provocative. Increasing political salaries while workers and the masses are left to wallow in hunger is unacceptable,” one rights activist said.
The backlash comes as many Nigerians accuse the ruling elite of being out of touch with reality, insisting that genuine reforms must begin with sacrifice from leaders rather than added luxuries for those already in comfort.