African Democratic Congress (ADC) strongly criticized the new pay increase for Nigeria’s politicians as an insult to people who are living in economic hard times.
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) last week indicated a rise in the salaries of the President, Vice President, governors, lawmakers, and other important personalities. However, the ADC opposed the move and said that in a time of skyrocketing food prices, rising fuel costs, and a devalued minimum wage, the move proves a government living in fantasy.
In his statement, party national publicity secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said:
“Whereas we acknowledge the constitutional function of RMAFC to vet salaries, to propose such rises now is an absolute disregard of the masses. Nigerians can’t even eat, fuel prices strangle business, civil servants are owed salaries, but political office holders ask for more.”
The ADC noted that politicians currently get “bogus and opaque allowances” and perks far in excess of their minimum wages. It added that whereas the minimum wage in the nation stands at ₦70,000 already devoured by inflation basic Nigerians do not receive extra benefits to assist in taking in rising costs.
“These proposal is tone-deaf and a naked insult to the Nigerian people. Government has no conscience to ask citizens to sacrifice while lining up the pockets of political elite that live in opulence,” Abdullahi added.
The party requested the plan to be suspended in an instant, urging the government to instead raise the minimum wage to a living level, pay workers’ wages on time, and increase social welfare programmes.
