As Nigerians continue to grapple with the rising cost of living, concerns are mounting over reported plans to increase the salaries of political office holders. The move, said to be under consideration by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), has sparked outrage among citizens who believe government priorities are misplaced at a time when millions are struggling to survive.
Speaking in an interview with our reporter, a public affairs analyst, Mr. Jide Ojo, described the proposal as an insult to ordinary Nigerians and a clear case of misplaced priority. According to him, political leaders already enjoy multiple allowances and benefits, while the majority of citizens earn far less and are left to endure economic hardship without support.
“This is a government that does not think about the people. People are suffocating and you still want them to further suffocate. This is not necessary. It is like fetching water from a well and pouring it into the ocean. I think the major concern of anybody in government now should be insecurity, poverty, health, education, and ensuring Nigerians can smile again,” Ojo said.
The analyst urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to take a firm stand against the proposal, noting that workers’ unions must act on their responsibility to defend the welfare of the people. He however expressed doubt that President Bola Tinubu would give approval to the plan, considering the current mood in the country.
A Port Harcourt trader, Mrs. Ngozi Chukwu, who also spoke to our reporter, said the news of a possible salary review for politicians shows how disconnected leaders have become from the realities of everyday Nigerians. She lamented that ordinary families can barely afford food, transport, and school fees, while politicians live in luxury.
“Things are too hard for us. Every day, prices of food and goods are going up. We are managing to eat once or twice a day, and they are talking about increasing the money of politicians? What about the poor people? What about market women like us? This government should focus on reducing the suffering of the masses, not adding more to it,” Mrs. Chukwu said.
For many Nigerians, the mere consideration of salary reviews for politicians at such a critical time highlights the widening gap between the ruling class and the citizens. With inflation at record highs, food prices soaring, and unemployment persisting, civil society groups and analysts warn that any attempt to raise political salaries could further deepen public anger and erode trust in government.
