Controversy is mounting over a proposal to increase the salaries of President Bola Tinubu, state governors, ministers, and other political office holders, sparking criticism from key stakeholders across the country.

The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) recently announced plans to revise the remuneration of top government officials, describing their current pay as outdated and inadequate. According to the Commission’s Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, the president currently earns ₦1.5 million monthly, while ministers receive less than ₦1 million—a structure that has reportedly remained unchanged since 2008.

Shehu argued that, “Paying the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ₦1.5 million a month, in a country of over 200 million people, is a joke.” He emphasized that while the commission is not responsible for setting minimum wages for civil servants, it is constitutionally mandated to determine salaries for political, judicial, and legislative office holders.

However, the proposal has been met with strong backlash from labor unions, political figures, and civil society actors, who argue that such a move is ill-timed given the current economic hardship Nigerians are facing.

Labour Union Demands Suspension of Proposal

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expressed deep dissatisfaction with the proposed pay hike, describing it as "insensitive, unjust, and inequitable." According to NLC’s spokesman, the proposal will further widen the already stark gap between political elites and the general population.

“It will deepen poverty among Nigerians, many of whom have been classified as multi-dimensionally poor,” he said. While acknowledging the need for fair remuneration, the union insisted that any salary review must be equitable and inclusive, not discriminatory or elitist.

The union further demanded transparency, calling for the current salaries of all political office holders and the benchmarks for the proposed review to be made public. It urged the commission to immediately suspend the review process to prevent national outrage.

Atiku’s Aide: Proposal Shows Disconnect from Reality

A spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar strongly condemned the proposal, asserting that the idea does not reflect the interests of the Nigerian people and could undermine the Tinubu administration’s credibility.

He remarked that the government's policies seem to serve only a privileged few, referencing past expenditures such as the controversial spending on the Vice President’s residence.

"This is a government of wastage," he stated. "Even more concerning is that most of these funds are borrowed. These debts are not free—they will be repaid by future generations."

He added that the current minimum wage is insufficient to meet basic needs, stating, “It cannot even buy a bag of rice.” He concluded that anyone proposing a salary increment for top officials at this time "does not mean well for the administration."

Human Rights Lawyer Slams Excessive Allowances, Demands Reform

Constitutional lawyer and activist, Chief Nkereuwem Udofia Akpan, criticized the extravagant allowances enjoyed by public officials, particularly members of the National Assembly. He argued that these benefits place a severe burden on the economy and should be drastically reduced.

“If you consider the enormous allowances for vehicles, housing, entertainment, and constituency projects, the system becomes indefensible,” Akpan said.

He questioned the justification behind salary increments for individuals who have long been in powerful political positions, such as the President—who served as a senator and two-term governor.

Akpan noted that wealth accumulation by public officials, despite claims of previous affluence, raises serious concerns about accountability and priorities.

“This isn’t about official salaries alone, but about the jumbo packages and perks that come with office,” he emphasized. “The real issues lie in corruption, systemic rot, and the diversion of public funds through inflated contracts and proxy arrangements.”

He added that if given the choice, he would rather see the president earn a clearly defined and generous salary than be tied to questionable financial dealings. Akpan concluded by warning that the continuous wealth accumulation by political elites suggests a troubling detachment from reality.