The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has voiced strong opposition to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission’s (RMAFC) plans to review the remuneration packages of political office holders. In a statement released on Sunday, NLC President Joe Ajaero characterized the move as insensitive, unjust, and a deepening of the inequality gap between civil servants and political appointees.
Ajaero emphasized that such a review would exacerbate poverty among Nigerians, many of whom are already struggling with multidimensional poverty. He criticized the RMAFC Chairman’s justifications, stating they insult the intelligence of Nigerians and fail to address the vast advantages and perks already enjoyed by political office holders.
The NLC highlights the stark contrast between the treatment of civil servants and political appointees regarding wage reviews. While civil servants face promotion and salary freezes due to resource constraints, political office holders often receive significantly higher percentage increases, seemingly without the same limitations. The NLC also pointed out the disparity in pay structures across states, where civil servant salaries differ, but political office holders receive the same pay nationwide.
The NLC statement firmly rejects the idea of turning public office into a vehicle for wealth accumulation rather than a call to service. The congress argues for equitable remuneration packages across the board, without discrimination, aligning with the principles of the Nigerian constitution.
In light of these concerns, the NLC demands the following:
- Full disclosure of the current earnings of all political office holders.
- Transparency regarding the benchmarks for the proposed review.
- A halt to the review process to prevent potential social unrest.
The RMAFC’s Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, had previously stated that the President’s monthly salary of N1.5 million and ministers’ salaries of less than N1 million have remained unchanged since 2008. He argued that these figures are inadequate, especially compared to the compensation of other government officials like the CBN governor or Director Generals.
The NLC’s statement suggests that while compensation adjustments may be necessary, they must be approached with caution and with consideration for the economic realities faced by the majority of Nigerians. A more equitable approach to remuneration across the public sector is vital to ensure fairness and prevent further division within the country.
