Nigeria Labour Congress Sounds the Alarm Over Proposed Salary Increase for Politicians

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission’s (RMAFC) plan to raise the pay of political office holders.

RMAFC chairman Mohammed Shehu disclosed that President Bola Tinubu currently earns ₦1.5 million monthly, with ministers earning less than ₦1 million — figures that have remained steady since 2008. While this might seem overdue, the NLC warns that the timing and scale of the proposed increase are deeply problematic.

NLC President Joe Ajaero described the plan as “insensitive, unfair, and unjust,” cautioning that it would only widen the gap between civil servants and politicians and exacerbate the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians living in poverty.

The union is demanding full disclosure of the current salaries of all political office holders as well as the criteria behind the planned adjustments. It is calling on RMAFC to halt the exercise immediately to prevent potential unrest.

At a time when most public workers are subject to salary freezes and the minimum wage remains at ₦70,000 despite rising living costs, the proposal for a hefty pay raise for politicians is highly contentious.

Previous increases for civil servants have been modest, while political office holders have enjoyed salary hikes exceeding 800%. Additionally, political salaries are the same across all states, unlike the varied pay scales for civil servants, further highlighting the inequity.

Ajaero stressed that while adequate compensation is necessary, it must be fair and consistent with the constitution. He warned that turning political office into a pathway for personal enrichment risks intensifying the scramble for power, with unpredictable and dangerous consequences. The NLC’s message is urgent and clear: the proposed salary review must be stopped before it plunges the nation into crisis.