The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has provided an explanation for its recommendation to increase the salaries of political office holders in Nigeria, despite facing criticism from Nigerians. The commission proposed a 114% raise in the salaries of elected public officials, including the President, Vice President, legislators, governors, and judicial officers. This recommendation requires approval from the president and cabinet members, followed by submission to the National Assembly through an executive bill for passage.
The public has strongly condemned the proposed salary increase, expecting the new administration to focus on cost-cutting measures to address the country’s low revenue and economic challenges. However, the RMAFC argued that the increment was long overdue, highlighting that the salaries of the affected public officials have not been increased in 16 years.
During an interview on ARISE News Channel, Mr. Hassan Usman, a Federal Commissioner of the RMAFC, stated that elected officials and the general population are all facing the same economic situation. The RMAFC is responsible for determining appropriate remuneration for political office holders as outlined in the constitution.
In light of the salary increase recommendation, the commission has called on the 36 states’ Houses of Assembly to expedite the amendment of relevant laws to allow for an upward review of remuneration packages for political, judicial, and public officers.
Usman emphasized that the consumer price index affects everyone, both in the private and public sectors. He stated that the commission could not remain inactive and wait until the situation worsens before taking action. Usman further argued that Nigeria’s President receives one of the lowest salaries compared to other presidents, with an annual salary of approximately N7 million. However, he clarified that the proposed increment only applies to the basic salary of public officials.
