RMAFC’s Insensitive Approval of 114% Increase in Salaries

Notes for File

The insensitivity of the Nigeria’s ruling class to the plight of the poor has again manifested with the recent approval of a 114 per cent increase in the salaries of elected politicians, including the president, vice president, governors, lawmakers as well as judicial and public office holders by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

At a trying moment when the administration of President Bola Tinubu is calling on Nigerian workers and the poor masses to bear the economic hardship caused by the sudden removal of petrol subsidy, RMAFC embarked on an insensitive and senseless mission of increasing the salaries of the members of the legislature and other politicians who ordinarily should not even earn salaries but enjoy only allowances and work on a part-time basis.

While some states have not been able to pay workers the  meagre 30 per cent increase in minimum wage, RMAFC increased the salaries of politicians who also earn other bogus allowances by 114 per cent.

RMAFC Chairman, Muhammadu Shehu, represented by a federal commissioner, Rakiya Tanko-Ayuba, said the implementation of the reviewed remuneration packages was effective from January 1, 2023.

He made the revelation at the recent presentation of reports of the reviewed remuneration package to Kebbi State governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, in Birnin Kebbi.

He argued that the last remuneration review was conducted in 2007, claiming that: “Sixteen years after the last review, it is imperative that the remuneration packages for the categories of the office holders mentioned in relevant sections of the 1999 constitution (as amended) should be reviewed,” he reportedly explained.

He also urged the 36 states’ Houses of Assembly to amend the relevant laws to give room for upward review of remuneration packages for political, judicial and public officers.

It is unfortunate that while the masses are made to make sacrifices and bear the brunt of harsh economic policies, the ruling class has continued to provide comfort for itself at the detriment of the people.

RMAFC’s action is insensitive and cruel, and should be resisted by all Nigerians.