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Nigerians Reject Proposed Pay Rise for Tinuby and Other Political Leaders
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.
TV anchor Rufai Oseni makes headlines as he speaks on fuel subsidy in Nigeria. He shared that Nigeria can have fuel subsidy without the long queues at filling stations.
“When we were still paying subsidies, there were no long queues. We were subsidising. So you can still have a subsidy regime going on, and there will be no long queues because production was close by. Dangote had it. That’s just it. That argument also falls flat.
“The biggest beneficiaries of subsidy are not Nigerians. They are crony capitalists that have big infrastructure, and they do contracts. They have been the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy,” he said.
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, speaks to those in the electricity sector about the usual blackouts in the state.
He speaks on ways things can change in the state and how electricity can be provided.
“We need to drop corporate egos, abandon long-standing excuses, and confront the harsh realities obstructing progress in the power sector.”
“We, state governments, used to give excuses that everything is centralised, so the Federal Government has unbundled it now. What have we done in a year and a half?” Sanwo-Olu asked.
“We take two steps forward, we go five steps backward,” he said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Thursday, August 20, a work-free day for public servants in the state to mark the Isese Festival.
Speaking on the celebration, he said “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” he said.
He added “When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” Aregbe said.
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