NLC to RMAFC: Halt Politicians’ Pay Rise or Face Unrest

By: Chinedu Echianu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the decision of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to embark on a comprehensive upward review of the remuneration packages of political office holders across the country.

In a strongly worded statement issued by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC described the move as “insensitive, unjust and inequitable,” warning that it would further widen the gap between political office holders and civil servants while deepening poverty among millions of Nigerians.

Ajaero criticised RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Usman, for justifying the exercise, describing his explanations as “puerile” and insulting to the intelligence of Nigerians. He argued that making public office a sanctuary for wealth accumulation rather than service would fuel desperation for political positions, with dire consequences for the nation.

The labour leader recalled that the last wage review for civil servants was not more than 50 percent, whereas the subsequent review for political office holders exceeded 800 percent. He lamented that while civil servants’ promotions and wage reviews are tied to resource availability, the same rules do not apply to politicians.

The NLC further noted the inequity in pay structures, pointing out that while states operate different salary systems for workers, the remuneration of political office holders remains uniform nationwide. “This explains why a councillor in Yobe State earns the same salary as a councillor in Rivers State,” Ajaero stated.

While acknowledging the need for fair remuneration packages, the NLC stressed that such reviews must be equitable and inclusive, warning that selective adjustments amounted to discrimination and violated the spirit of the Constitution.

The Congress therefore demanded the following:

That the current earnings of all political office holders be made public;

That the benchmark for the proposed review be disclosed;

That RMAFC immediately suspend the exercise to avoid triggering what it called a potential “tsunami.”

The NLC maintained that at a time when workers are facing a salary freeze, rising tariffs and an unresolved minimum wage debate, embarking on a pay hike for politicians is unjustifiable and unacceptable.