KEY POINTS

• RMAFC proposes reviewing salaries for political office holders, sparking widespread anger.

• PDP, ADC and other parties slam the plan as reckless and insensitive.

• Nigerians face record inflation and food costs while more than 60% live in poverty.

The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has ignited a storm after revealing plans to raise salaries for elected and appointed politicians.

RMAFC Chairman Mohammed Shehu disclosed that President Bola Tinubu currently earns about N1.5 million a month, while ministers take home less than N1 million.

He argued the figures have not been updated since 2008, making a review overdue.

That explanation has done little to calm Nigerians. Many say the idea shows just how far removed politicians are from the suffering of ordinary citizens.

Opposition kicks back

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the move as “insensitive.” The African Democratic Congress (ADC) called it “reckless,” urging the government to drop the plan and focus on easing hardship instead.

Chekwas Okorie, founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), warned that pushing the hike could spark unrest. The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) said it amounted to “a betrayal of public trust.”

Religious and civic groups react

The Arewa Consultative Forum branded the timing “provocative.” The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria went further, calling it “wicked and selfish,” pointing out that politicians already enjoy allowances and perks far above what civil servants get.

Civil society groups echoed the anger, urging government to cut waste and reduce the cost of governance instead of rewarding political elites.

Everyday Nigerians feel the pinch

With inflation soaring and food prices climbing almost weekly, many Nigerians feel left behind. Over 60 percent of the population lives in poverty, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Even with the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage, workers say their earnings barely cover basic needs. Against that backdrop, news of a pay rise for politicians feels like salt in the wound.

“It is reckless and unacceptable at a time when Nigerians are struggling to feed,” the ADC said.

RMAFC defends its role

Shehu, however, insists the commission is only doing its job. He said the review would fix pay disparities, pointing out that some federal agency heads currently earn more than the president.

Critics argue that the real solution lies in cutting waste and fighting corruption, not boosting politicians’ salaries.