The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the plan by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to increase the salaries and allowances of political office holders, describing the proposal as “insensitive, unjust, and inequitable.”
The reaction was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who faulted the timing and rationale behind the review. He warned that such an increase would further widen the already sharp disparity between the earnings of political elites and the wages of civil servants, deepening inequality and worsening poverty levels among the majority of Nigerians.
“We are outraged by 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,” Ajaero said. “This move, at a time when millions of workers are struggling to survive under poor wages and rising inflation, is nothing short of provocative and unacceptable.”
The NLC argued that any review of salaries should prioritize Nigerian workers, who have long demanded a living wage in line with the current economic realities. Ajaero noted that while politicians enjoy a wide range of privileges and allowances, many civil servants can barely afford basic necessities, despite the critical role they play in sustaining government institutions.
The labour leader urged RMAFC to suspend the proposal and instead channel efforts toward creating policies that uplift ordinary Nigerians. He emphasized that improving workers’ welfare would help reduce poverty, boost productivity, and stabilize the economy.
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to resisting any measure that entrenches inequality, warning that it may be compelled to mobilize workers nationwide if the government proceeds with the plan.
The development has already sparked public debate, with many Nigerians criticizing the proposal as evidence of misplaced priorities in the face of mounting economic hardship.
