The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly opposed plans by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to increase the salaries of Nigeria’s political office holders, describing the move as “tone-deaf” and a direct insult to millions of struggling citizens.
The proposed review would grant significant pay rises to the President, Vice President, Senate President, governors, and other top officials at a time when Nigerians are battling soaring inflation, rising fuel costs, and an inadequate minimum wage.
In a statement signed on Wednesday by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, the party acknowledged RMAFC’s constitutional role to review salaries but stressed that such a move now only shows how deeply disconnected the government has become from the realities of the people.
“These office holders already enjoy massive allowances, perks, and discretionary funds that far exceed their basic salaries,” the statement read.
“How else do they sustain their lifestyle of luxury and opulence if the so-called ‘outdated’ salaries are truly inadequate?”
The ADC contrasted the proposed hike with the national minimum wage of ₦70,000, a figure that has been eroded by inflation and remains unpaid in many states. Unlike political elites, ordinary Nigerians receive no allowances to cushion the harsh economic climate.
The party declared the plan “an affront to the Nigerian people,” insisting it must be suspended immediately.
“Government has no moral right to demand sacrifice from ordinary citizens while shielding politicians from hardship,” the statement continued.
“At a time like this, resources should go into raising the minimum wage to a livable standard, ensuring timely salaries for civil servants, and strengthening social welfare programs to protect the most vulnerable.”
The ADC concluded that rather than enriching political elites, the government must urgently focus on policies that ease the suffering of Nigerians.
