FG Considers Pay Rise for President, Ministers, Lawmakers, Says RMAFC

The Federal Government is set to review the salaries of top political office holders, including the President, Vice President, Ministers, Senators and other key officials, following fresh recommendations by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, disclosed in Abuja that the pay packages of these officials had not been adjusted since 2008, despite changing economic realities.

He described the current figures as “unrealistic” when compared to the responsibilities they shoulder, noting that the President presently earns about ₦1.5 million monthly, while ministers receive less than ₦1 million.

Shehu argued that the disparity between political office holders and certain government agency heads was unjustifiable, citing examples where some chief executives earned 10 to 20 times more than ministers or the President.

He said the commission was determined to “correct these anomalies” in line with its constitutional mandate to set and review salaries for political and judicial office holders.

However, the development has sparked strong criticism from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and sections of the public, who argue that political leaders already enjoy massive allowances and other benefits that far exceed their official salaries. Labour leaders warned that any upward review for politicians while ordinary workers struggle under inflation and high living costs would be “insensitive and provocative.”

This is not the first time RMAFC has pushed for adjustments. In 2023, it recommended a 114 per cent increase in salaries for political office holders and judges, but the Presidency quickly denied approving the proposal after widespread public backlash.

The fresh move comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, rising food prices, and calls for a new minimum wage.

While RMAFC insists the review is necessary to align with constitutional provisions, many see it as ill-timed and disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary citizens.