NLC Urges RMAFC to Cancel Proposed Salary Increase for Politicians

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized the recent plan by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to increase the salaries of political office holders across the country. In a statement issued on Sunday, August 25, 2025, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, described the proposed move as not only poorly timed but also grossly insensitive and deeply unfair to the majority of Nigerians.

Ajaero warned that such a decision, if allowed to go through, would only widen the already troubling gap between politicians and regular civil servants. According to him, while millions of Nigerian workers struggle to survive on stagnant wages and rising inflation, the idea of giving more money to politicians who are already earning significantly more is not only unjustifiable but could also lead to widespread resentment and further deepen poverty.

He did not mince words when expressing his disapproval, saying the decision reeks of injustice and inequality. He pointed out that Nigeria is currently battling widespread poverty, with a majority of its population living under extremely difficult economic conditions. Increasing salaries for politicians in such a climate, he said, would only rub salt into the wounds of hardworking Nigerians who feel abandoned by the system.

The NLC President went on to criticize the justification offered by the RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Usman, calling it flimsy and unconvincing. According to Ajaero, politicians already benefit from extensive perks, allowances, and privileges that far exceed what most workers can ever dream of. He described the rationale for the proposed salary increase as lacking depth and failing to consider the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

He emphasized that while civil servants across the country have been subjected to years of salary freezes and delayed adjustments, political office holders have continued to enjoy massive pay increases. In fact, the NLC pointed out that while civil servants have seen their pay rise by a modest 50 percent over the years, politicians have enjoyed increases as high as 800 percent. This imbalance, Ajaero argued, is unacceptable and must be corrected rather than worsened.

One of the most pressing concerns raised by the NLC is the fact that the political salary structure in Nigeria is uniform nationwide. This means that regardless of economic differences from one region to another, all political office holders earn the same pay. On the other hand, civil service salaries often vary based on location and cost of living. The union believes this is one of the many signs that the current system disproportionately favors those in positions of political power.

In his statement, Ajaero demanded full transparency in the entire process. He insisted that the current earnings of all political office holders be made public. He also called for clarity on the benchmark being used to justify the proposed increase. Until that is done, he said, the RMAFC should immediately suspend the entire process before it triggers public outrage.

The labour union is urging the federal government to ensure that all policies related to remuneration and compensation are equitable, transparent, and rooted in the principles laid out in Nigeria’s Constitution. According to the NLC, public office should not be seen as a shortcut to wealth but as a responsibility that comes with sacrifice and dedication to serving the people.

This call from the NLC comes just days after RMAFC began a formal review of remuneration packages for political and public office holders across the country. The move, according to RMAFC officials, is part of a broader effort to stabilize the governance system and promote accountability. Hon. Mohammed Kabeer Usman, who chairs the RMAFC Remuneration and Monetisation Committee, said the review was necessary to ensure that those serving in public office are properly motivated and compensated.

He added that the new review was inspired in part by the recent salary adjustments approved for judicial officers. Last year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a pay raise for members of the judiciary through the Judicial Office Holders’ Salaries and Allowances Bill, 2024. The bill, which is now law, was designed to support and strengthen Nigeria’s justice system. The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said at the time that better remuneration for judges would help reduce corruption and promote integrity within the judiciary.

However, the NLC insists that the political office holders’ situation is entirely different. According to Ajaero, politicians are already some of the highest-paid individuals in the country, and any further increase in their pay will only create more discontent among the population. He said the timing of this review could not be worse, especially considering the fact that the federal government is still struggling to implement a new national minimum wage and civil servants are still dealing with years of financial neglect.

In light of these concerns, the NLC is calling for a more inclusive and transparent discussion on public sector remuneration. They are urging the government to focus on policies that reduce inequality, uplift the poor, and build a more just and balanced economy. Ajaero concluded by saying that rewarding political office holders further at the expense of ordinary citizens sends the wrong message about leadership and priorities in Nigeria.

As the conversation around the proposed salary increase continues to gain momentum, it remains to be seen whether the RMAFC will yield to public pressure and reconsider its decision. What is clear, however, is that the debate has reignited national concerns about fairness, justice, and the role of government in creating a more equitable society.