Amid the hardships in the country, some stakeholders have asked Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to review the salaries of political office holders. Apparently, salaries of political office holders have remained the same since 2008, despite inflation in the country and economic hardship.
In this edition of Nigeria’s distorted priorities, we’d discuss why, once again, the decision makers aren’t working toward solving the real problems, but are instead more interested in addressing non-issues.
The RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, hinted at the current earnings of political office holders. Shehu suggested that the President of the Federation, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, currently earns ₦1.5 million per month officially. He also suggested that Federal Ministers earn less than ₦1 million per month.
This issue comes at a time when ordinary Nigerians are struggling with skyrocketing food prices, transport costs, and rent, while income remains stagnant – if not unpaid – in some cases. Average Nigerians continue to struggle daily because of the current economic situation.
Nigeria’s current economy is known for its high inflation rate, resulting in an unsustainably high cost of living for Nigerians. Prices of food, transport, and housing continue to increase daily. Many Nigerians’ incomes have remained the same for years, with the government even owing some.
It has become so difficult for the average Nigerian family to afford basic needs with nothing left over to save. Suffering has become the order of the day, as a significant portion of people are trapped in poverty. These harsh living conditions have made it difficult to survive, and frustration has increased with government policies that seem out of touch with people’s realities. Nigeria remains in a tough state, and many struggle daily to make ends meet.
The timing of this potential RMAFC salary review is wrong. With ordinary Nigerians struggling to make a living, political office holders seek salary increments. Political and labor organizations, however, have not failed to hide their dissatisfaction on this issue.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) called this move a “tone deaf insult” to Nigerians.
Similarly, the Labor Party described the salary review as “totally unjustifiable,” while the ACF spokesman labeled it a misplaced priority and proactive decision.
This adds substance to the view that leaders are blind to the challenges the masses face.
Shehu’s statements are also interesting especially considering that ₦1.5 million is a genuinely high salary for a Nigerian. In fact, according to the Nigerian Consumer Outlook Report 2025, less than 0.4% of Nigerians earn above that ₦1.5 million per month. That bracket is also considered upper class. Therefore, if Shehu’s comments are to be taken at face value, the President is already a member of the upper class, which is befitting.
It’s also important to note that besides official salaries, political office holders receive allowances such as housing allowance, transportation allowance, domestic staff allowance, and other discretionary funds that go unmentioned, which the RMAFC chairman left out of his statements. Considering the allowances these political office holders receive, raising their salaries while a significant number of Nigerians are suffering seems unjustifiable.
Nigerians online have obviously expressed outrage in response to this news. The Socialist Party of Nigeria has called for nationwide protests and strikes, while the NLC has urged workers to mobilize in opposition. Citizens would feel betrayed to see leaders seeking a higher pay while many struggle with basic needs.
This issue has brought to light the need for fairness in governance. Leaders must put people’s welfare above their own. Disclosing to the public all pay and allowances received is key to regaining public trust.
At a time of economic hardship, Nigeria’s leaders must choose between serving their own interests or proving their commitment to the people they govern.
