Nigerians have voiced strong opposition to plans that would raise the salaries of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other top officials, sparking widespread debate across the country.

The proposed increase, under review by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), comes as many citizens face economic challenges, including high inflation and rising living costs. RMAFC Chairman Mohammed Shehu argued that the current salaries, unchanged since 2008, do not reflect the growing responsibilities of these political offices. He noted that the President earns ₦1.5 million monthly while ministers make less than ₦1 million, calling these figures “insufficient” given the scope of their duties.

Despite this justification, the move has drawn sharp criticism from the public. Many Nigerians see the proposal as insensitive, highlighting the struggles of ordinary citizens who contend with low wages and difficult living conditions. Labor unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have described the pay hike as unfair and mistimed, insisting that government attention should prioritize the welfare of the general population rather than increasing the earnings of leaders already in power.

The debate continues as RMAFC evaluates the salary structure. While some argue that political leaders deserve higher pay for their roles, the prevailing sentiment is that any increase should be postponed until the economic situation improves and the needs of everyday Nigerians are addressed.

The Lagos State chairperson of the Labour Party, Dayo Ekong, has warned that the political influence of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, appears to be waning, urging him to pause and reflect.

In a statement shared on her official X account on Tuesday, Ekong noted that Obi’s rise in 2023 was fueled not only by his personal appeal but also by strong party structures, grassroots support, and Nigerians’ desire for change. She argued that the “grace” that carried him then is fading due to divisive decisions and inconsistent political moves.

“In 2023, Nigerians rallied behind him because he represented a fresh alternative. But today, his actions are beginning to weaken that support,” Ekong said. She also pointed to the 2024 Edo governorship election, where Obi backed LP candidate Olumide Akpata despite opposition from party leaders, as an example of choices that risk eroding his political standing.

The Federal Government has announced plans to review the salaries of top political office holders, including the President, governors, ministers, and other senior officials. Officials say the current pay is no longer enough considering the responsibilities and challenges these leaders face.

At a press briefing in Abuja, Mohammed Shehu, Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), revealed that President Bola Tinubu currently earns ₦1.5 million per month, while ministers take home less than ₦1 million monthly. These figures, he noted, have not changed since 2008. Shehu described the current pay structure as “unrealistic” and “untenable” for the people in these positions.

Shehu also highlighted huge gaps in pay across government offices. For example, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria earns about ten times more than the President, while heads of certain agencies can make up to twenty times more than the Attorney-General of the Federation. He called this imbalance “unfair and unacceptable.”

The RMAFC emphasized that it is constitutionally responsible for determining the salaries of political, judicial, and legislative office holders, though it does not control salaries for civil servants or other public sector workers. The proposed review has drawn criticism from labor groups. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) argued that the move overlooks growing inequality and the many allowances and perks already available to public officials.

The government says it will engage with labor unions, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to ensure a fair approach to the salary adjustments.