The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected plans by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to increase remuneration for political office holders, warning that the move could inflame public anger and deepen inequality.
In a statement issued Sunday in Abuja, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, described the proposal as “insensitive, unjust, inequitable, and a direct threat to social stability.” He stressed that raising politicians’ pay while most Nigerians struggle with poverty would worsen hardship and fuel resentment.
“We are outraged by the decision of RMAFC to embark on a comprehensive upward review of the remuneration packages of political office holders,” Ajaero said. “This move will only succeed in widening the gap between civil servants and politicians.”
He dismissed the justification offered by RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Usman, insisting that turning public office into a wealth-driven venture would heighten desperation for power and undermine governance.
The labour union pointed out that while civil servants are stuck with a N70,000 minimum wage despite soaring living costs, political office holders have consistently enjoyed massive pay increments—some reportedly exceeding 800 percent. By contrast, workers’ last wage adjustment was less than 50 percent.
According to the NLC, political pay remains uniform nationwide, regardless of states’ financial realities, while workers’ wages are tied to resource availability.
The union demanded full disclosure of politicians’ current earnings and the criteria for any review. It urged RMAFC to suspend the plan immediately, warning that going ahead could trigger “a potential tsunami.”
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