Based on recent reports, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in Nigeria has indicated plans to review and potentially increase the salaries of political office holders.
Here's a breakdown of the key points:
1. RMAFC's Justification: The RMAFC chairman, Mohammed Shehu, stated that the current salaries for officials like the President and ministers are "inadequate, unrealistic, and outdated." He noted that these figures have not been adjusted since 2008. For instance, President Bola Tinubu's official salary is reportedly N1.5 million per month, while ministers receive less than N1 million.
2. Previous Attempts: There have been past efforts to review these salaries, including a proposed 114% increase in June 2023, but these were not implemented.
3. Organized Labour's Position: The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized the proposal, arguing that it ignores the country's economic inequality and the "hidden perks" that already inflate the earnings of government officials.
The Review Process: The RMAFC has stated that the review will be "inclusive, data-driven, and transparent," involving consultations with various stakeholders, including the Presidency, National Assembly, governors, and civil society organizations.