ADC faults proposed pay rise for politicians, seeks wage review for workers

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly opposed the planned review of salaries for political office holders by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), describing the move as insensitive and disconnected from the realities of ordinary Nigerians.

In a statement issued yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party maintained that any upward adjustment in the remuneration of the President, Vice President, governors, and other senior officials would amount to “an affront to citizens who continue to endure severe economic hardship.”

The ADC acknowledged the constitutional responsibility of RMAFC to periodically review salaries and allowances of public officials but argued that the timing of the exercise was inappropriate, given the prevailing economic challenges.

“Proposing such review at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with soaring food inflation, high cost of fuel, and largely unpaid minimum wage indicates a total disregard for the people,” Abdullahi said.

The party drew attention to the fact that, beyond their official salaries, political office holders already enjoy generous allowances, perks, and discretionary funds, which it described as “far exceeding the earnings of ordinary Nigerians.”

While noting that the national minimum wage of N70,000 had been significantly eroded by inflation, the ADC said most citizens had no supplementary allowances or buffers to mitigate the rising cost of living.

The statement added: “Government has no moral right to demand sacrifice from ordinary citizens while seeking to improve the comfort of political elites. No such increase should be implemented while Nigerians continue to experience extreme financial difficulty.”

The ADC therefore urged the Federal Government to suspend the proposed adjustment and instead direct its efforts toward improving the welfare of citizens, particularly through raising the minimum wage to a living standard, ensuring regular payment of salaries, and strengthening social safety nets for vulnerable groups.