Abuja, Nigeria | September 8, 2025 – The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) over its proposal to increase the salaries of President Bola Tinubu, state governors, lawmakers, and other public office holders.
In the suit lodged before the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is asking the court to stop the planned adjustment, arguing that it is both unconstitutional and insensitive given Nigeria’s current economic realities. The group maintained that approving higher pay for politicians at a time when millions of citizens are grappling with poverty, inflation, and rising living costs would amount to a violation of the principles of public trust and accountability.
According to SERAP, the RMAFC’s statutory duty is to ensure fairness and equity in revenue allocation and remuneration across the federation, not to place the interests of political leaders above the welfare of ordinary Nigerians. The group also contends that such salary adjustments would further widen inequality and divert scarce resources from critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.
“The proposed pay rise undermines constitutional guarantees of transparency, accountability, and the public interest. It is unjustifiable when workers are still demanding a fair living wage and millions of citizens face hardship daily,” SERAP noted in a statement.
The civil society organisation is seeking an injunction restraining RMAFC from recommending or approving the salary increase until the case is heard and determined.
The move by SERAP has drawn attention across the country, with many Nigerians expressing support, insisting that leaders should prioritize governance and policies that directly improve citizens’ welfare instead of raising their own earnings.
