The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised a proposal by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to raise the salaries of political office holders, describing the move as a direct affront to Nigerians grappling with worsening economic hardship.
ADC, in a statement on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the plan underscores a government “disconnected from the struggles of ordinary citizens.”
The party insisted that such justification was untenable in the face of Nigeria’s economic realities, noting that while politicians continue to draw “bogus and opaque allowances, perks, and discretionary funds,” citizens are left to contend with a minimum wage of N70,000 that has been eroded by inflation.
“For perspective, our national minimum wage stands at N70,000, a figure that has been largely wiped out by inflation. Yet, unlike public office holders, most Nigerians do not receive additional allowances to cushion the cost of living,” the statement read.
The ADC argued that the timing of the proposed adjustment was particularly insensitive, citing soaring food prices, fuel hikes, and the declining purchasing power of workers.
The party demanded the immediate suspension of the plan, stressing that the government “has no moral right to demand sacrifice from citizens while political elites insulate themselves from economic hardship.”
Instead of enriching public officials, the ADC urged authorities to channel efforts towards raising the minimum wage to a livable standard, ensuring prompt payment of salaries, and strengthening social welfare systems.
The RMAFC had recently defended its proposal, with Chairman Mohammed Shehu arguing that the existing pay structure for the President, Vice President, governors, the Senate President, and other top officials was “inadequate, unrealistic, and outdated.”
