Chris Okpoko
At a recent press briefing in Abuja, the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mohammed Shehu, hinted at plans to review the salaries of political officeholders in Nigeria, describing the current earnings as inadequate, unrealistic, and outdated in light of the rising responsibilities and economic challenges. He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu presently earns N1.5 million monthly, while ministers receive less than N1 million — figures that have remained unchanged since 2008. Furthermore, he stated, “You cannot pay a minister less than N1million per month since 2008 and expect him to put in his best without necessarily being involved in some other things.” According to the RMAFC chairman, the commission was not responsible for setting the minimum wage for civil servants or public sector workers; however, it was constitutionally mandated to determine the salaries of political, judicial, and legislative officeholders— including governors, senators, ministers, DGs (director-generals) and other officeholders.
In addition, the RMAFC chairman stated that despite public hostility towards pay increases for politicians, it was important to maintain realistic remuneration that reflected their responsibilities. “It’s about time that people like you and others should support the commission to come up with reasonable living salaries for ministers, DGs, and the President,” he said.
It is against this background that the RMAFC boss needs to be reminded that labour unions, including the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), initially sought ₦250,000 as a minimum wage but accepted ₦70,000 as a compromise, not as a realistic remuneration or living wage. The National Salaries, Incomes & Wages Commission (NSIWC) determines salary structures for federal civil servants, while the Presidential Committee on Salaries (including the Minister of Labour and the Head of Service) reviews existing salary structures, works on salary harmonization, and submits proposals for salary adjustments and implementation. However, the final approval and implementation of salary increases often require the National Assembly’s involvement and the President’s assent, with the ultimate authority resting with the Federal Government. The same people who recommended and approved ₦70,000 minimum wage are the ones who now need to get “reasonable living salaries.”
The discussion surrounding the proposed pay rise for political officeholders has become a contentious topic within society, particularly in the context of the current economic climate and the hardships faced by citizens. This critique will examine the implications of such a proposal, considering the backdrop of economic instability, rising living costs, and growing public dissatisfaction with governance.
At the heart of the matter is the perception of equity and fairness in government compensation. The proposed pay rise for political officeholders emerges against a stark reality in which many citizens struggle to meet their everyday needs due to inflation, job losses, and reduced incomes. Therefore, given the current socio-economic context, there are compelling reasons political officeholders may not deserve a pay rise at this time.
Nigeria is currently contending with significant economic challenges that have resulted in high levels of poverty and unemployment. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 133 million people in Nigeria are multi-dimensionally poor, which is about 63% of the population. Inflation rates, currently at about 22%, have significantly eroded the purchasing power of average households. In this light, any pay increase for politicians is likely to be viewed as an affront to the population, particularly those living in poverty or on the brink of financial distress.
Another critical factor in the debate over the salaries of political officeholders is the prevailing issue of corruption and lack of accountability within the Nigerian political system. Over the years, numerous allegations of corrupt practices have impaired the reputation of public officials, leading to growing skepticism about their commitment to serving the people’s interests. Many Nigerians view politicians as self-serving individuals who prioritize their financial benefits over improving the lives of their constituents.
The lack of transparency and accountability in governance has fostered a climate of distrust. As a result, citizens often question whether political leaders truly deserve higher salaries when they are perceived to be unable to deliver on their promises or to uphold ethical standards. Until there is a significant shift toward greater accountability and responsible governance, calls for salary increases for political officeholders may continue to fall on deaf ears.
Political officeholders occupy positions of power and influence, but with this power comes the responsibility of delivering results to their constituents. Effective governance requires a commitment to addressing critical issues, namely healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security. When political leaders fail to fulfill their responsibilities or adequately respond to the needs of their communities, it raises questions regarding their entitlement to higher compensation.
For instance, Nigeria faces a myriad of challenges, including a deteriorating healthcare system, inadequate educational infrastructure, and escalating insecurity. Citizens have witnessed insufficient progress in these areas and often express frustration over the inefficiencies of their elected representatives and political officeholders. When leaders do not meet the expectations of their roles, it becomes difficult to justify any increase in remuneration. A pay rise should be contingent on demonstrable performance and positive impact on governance, rather than an automatic entitlement based on position.
The compensation structures for political officeholders in Nigeria already encompass substantial allowances, benefits, and perks beyond their basic salaries. These include allowances for housing, transportation, office maintenance, and even a hardship allowance, which can collectively amount to significant sums. Furthermore, lawmakers often receive additional financial incentives for attending sessions, thereby complicating the discourse around whether further raises are warranted.
Some critics argue that existing compensation packages are already generous when juxtaposed against the average Nigerian’s earnings. Advocating for a pay rise under the current circumstances could be interpreted as a disregard for economic realities and the struggles faced by the citizens. Instead of pursuing salary increments, political officeholders should advocate for a more equitable distribution of resources and focus on improving the living conditions of those they represent.
Leadership is not solely about financial compensation; it also involves demonstrating civic responsibility and moral integrity. Citizens expect their leaders to lead by example and make sacrifices for the greater good. During tough economic times, effective leaders prioritize the needs of their constituents over personal financial gain, fostering a sense of unity and purpose within their communities.
Additionally, many political officeholders enter into politics as a vocation to serve and contribute positively to society. While it is natural for individuals to seek adequate compensation for their work, the motivation behind entering public service should ideally extend beyond salary considerations. When leaders exhibit a desire to uplift their communities rather than seeking personal enrichment, they earn the respect and trust of the people they serve.
Public sentiment plays a significant role in shaping the political landscape in Nigeria. Proposals for salary increases for political officeholders, especially during trying economic times, often trigger backlash from citizens. The potential for unrest and dissatisfaction may arise if the populace perceives an imbalance in resource allocation, particularly when they are experiencing hardship.
Politically, stability is paramount for maintaining order and ensuring the functioning of democratic institutions. Ignoring the concerns of the people regarding their leaders’ compensation can lead to social upheaval, protests, and a fractured relationship between the government and citizens. Therefore, political officeholders must consider public sentiment and engage in dialogue with the electorate before advocating for salary increases.
Instead of focusing on salary increases, political officeholders should prioritize reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of governance. This includes implementing policies that address poverty alleviation, job creation, and improved social services. By directing efforts toward tangible improvements, political officeholders can contribute meaningfully to the people while affirming their commitment to public service.
Furthermore, reforms should encompass systems of accountability that hold public officials responsible for their actions. Establishing mechanisms to evaluate job performance and track the impact of initiatives can help restore public trust in the political system. When citizens see evidence of progress and responsible governance, they may be more open to discussing appropriate compensation for political officeholders.
In conclusion, given the socio-economic realities faced by Nigeria, political officeholders may not deserve a pay rise at this time. The combination of economic challenges, public distrust, accountability issues, and the need for performance-based compensation forms a compelling case against salary increases for politicians. Instead of pursuing financial gains, politicians should focus on serving their constituents, demonstrating civic responsibility, and driving meaningful reforms that improve the quality of life for all Nigerians. Ultimately, true leadership is characterized by dedication to public service and a commitment to the collective well-being of society, rather than personal enrichment. By prioritizing these principles, political officeholders can foster a sense of trust and unity that benefits the entire nation.