The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly cautioned the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) over its proposed salary increase for political office holders, urging the commission to suspend any plans to implement the move, which the union describes as insensitive and ill-timed.
In a statement issued by the NLC on Sunday, the union condemned the proposal, pointing out the stark contrast between the current economic realities faced by millions of Nigerians and the privileged conditions enjoyed by politicians. The labour body stated that the idea of increasing salaries for elected and appointed public officials—at a time when citizens are grappling with inflation, currency depreciation, high fuel prices, and widespread unemployment—reflects a deep disconnect from the daily struggles of the average Nigerian.
According to reports, the RMAFC, which is constitutionally empowered to determine the remuneration packages for public officials, is considering adjustments to reflect what it called “economic changes.” However, the NLC insists that such justification is flawed, especially when civil servants, pensioners, and low-income earners continue to endure hardship without any meaningful upward review of their wages.
The NLC recalled that organized labour has long been in discussions with the Federal Government over the need to increase the national minimum wage from its current ₦30,000 monthly benchmark, which it described as no longer sustainable in today’s economic climate. The Congress noted that government’s slow pace in responding to this legitimate demand contrasts sharply with how quickly issues concerning political elites receive attention.
“The same government that claims it cannot afford a realistic minimum wage for Nigerian workers is now contemplating a raise for politicians whose earnings are already astronomical,” the NLC stated.
It further warned that any attempt to implement the proposed salary hike for political office holders would not only provoke public outrage but also undermine ongoing negotiations between the government and organized labour.
The Congress also urged the RMAFC to prioritize equity and fairness, adding that the Commission must not be seen as promoting elitism at the expense of national unity and economic stability.
Meanwhile, citizens across various platforms have expressed discontent with the proposal, calling it a betrayal of public trust and a demonstration of misplaced priorities. Many have questioned the rationale behind increasing politicians’ pay when public infrastructure, education, and healthcare continue to suffer chronic underfunding.
As Nigerians await clarity from RMAFC, the NLC has vowed to resist any attempt to further widen the income gap between the ruling class and the rest of the population, emphasizing that the wealth of the nation must be used to uplift the majority, not to enrich a few.
