The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Sunday urged the federal government to suspend plans for an upward review of remuneration packages for political office holders across the country.
In a statement signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the union demanded that the current earnings of all political office holders be made public. It also insisted that the benchmark for the proposed review must be disclosed, warning that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) should “put on hold this exercise before it triggers a tsunami.”
The NLC argued that the plan would only fuel desperation for political office, making it a sanctuary for wealth-making instead of a platform for service and sacrifice.
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Describing the proposal as “insensitive, unjust, inequitable,” the union warned that it would deepen the already wide inequality between civil servants and political office holders, and further impoverish millions of Nigerians who have been classified as multi-dimensionally poor.
The labour body also dismissed the justification given by RMAFC Chairman Mohammed Usman, calling it “ill-advised” and “puerile.” According to the NLC, his arguments ignore the “humongous advantages” already tied to political office, elegantly couched as perquisites and allowances, while the poor are left with nothing but “hopes and dreams.”
The union questioned the timing of the planned review, pointing out that the government has frozen promotions and salary increases in most public subsectors, while maintaining a minimum wage of N70,000 despite steep tariff hikes.
“We recall the last time a wage review (not minimum wage) was done for civil servants, it was not more than 50 per cent. However, when that of political office holders was done a year or so later, it was in excess of 800 per cent,” the statement said.
The NLC further criticised the uniform pay structure of political office holders across the country, noting that a councillor in Yobe State earns the same salary as a councillor in Rivers State, while civil servants’ pay varies by state.
While recognising the need for fair remuneration packages, the union stressed that such reviews must be equitable and across board. “One of the most heinous crimes against humanity is the institution and promotion of apartheid in any human setting, no matter how subtle,” it added.
Several organisations and institutions have also urged the government to suspend the exercise.
Meanwhile, the RMAFC has defended the move, stating that the President earns about N1.8 million monthly, while ministers earn less than N1 million.
