The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly opposed the planned salary increase for political office holders by the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
NLC President Joe Ajaero described the move as “insensitive, unjust, and inequitable.” He warned that the decision would widen inequality between politicians and public workers.
According to Ajaero, the pay raise will deepen poverty among Nigerians, most of whom already live in multidimensional poverty. He dismissed the commission’s rationale, stressing that it ignored the numerous privileges enjoyed by political office holders.
“This exercise is coming at a time when promotions and salaries are frozen in many public sectors. Yet, the government continues to enforce the N70,000 minimum wage despite rising tariffs and hardship,” Ajaero said.
He recalled that in past reviews, political office holders received raises as high as 800 percent, while civil servants got less than 50 percent.
Ajaero also criticized the uniform pay structure for politicians across states. He noted that while a councillor in Yobe earns the same salary as one in Rivers, civil servants face varying structures.
While acknowledging the need for fair remuneration, the NLC insisted that any adjustment must be equitable and not discriminatory.
With its stance, the union has intensified pressure on the government to reconsider the controversial raise.
