Nigerian Lawmakers Demand Salary Increase, Gives Reason

Nigerian Lawmakers Demand Salary Increase, Gives Reason

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, members of the House of Representatives are requesting a raise in their salaries and allowances due to the elimination of fuel subsidy and the current economic situation in the country.

The lawmakers reportedly held a meeting on July 11, during which they entered into an executive session to address the concerns raised by their salaries and allowances.

Some members expressed their dissatisfaction with delayed payments and even resorted to taking loans. In the meeting, they discussed the need for a salary increase as their current earnings are insufficient to meet the demands of their positions.

However, an anonymous lawmaker who attended the meeting clarified that the discussion focused solely on salary adjustment and not on delayed payments.

Read Also Subsidy: Tinubu Writes Reps, Seeks N500bn Approval For Palliatives

The lawmakers argued that the removal of fuel subsidy had resulted in economic hardship, causing a significant increase in the cost of goods and services.

The speaker, Tajudeen Abass, did not make any promises regarding the salary and allowance review, as such matters would require proper budgetary procedures and approvals.

The Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), which determines the salaries and allowances of public officials, had proposed a 100% increase. However, this proposal is pending approval from the president and inclusion in the budget.

In an effort to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal, President Bola Tinubu sent a communication to the House of Representatives on July 12, seeking an amendment to the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act. The amendment aims to allocate N500 billion for palliative measures.

It should be noted that while there are ongoing negotiations for an increase in workers’ salaries by at least 100% in response to the fuel subsidy removal, Nigerian lawmakers are already among the highest paid globally. Even the lowest-paid lawmaker earns over ten times the minimum wage of civil servants. Additionally, lawmakers receive substantial allowances on top of their salaries.

The proposal for a 100% increase in lawmakers’ salaries by RMAFC has faced criticism from many Nigerians, prompting President Bola Tinubu to clarify that he has not yet approved such an increase.