Members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives have announced a decision to cut their salaries by 50% for the next six months, citing a gesture of solidarity amid the severe economic hardship faced by citizens.
The decision follows the adoption of an amendment to a motion introduced by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu. The motion proposed that lawmakers sacrifice half of their N600,000 monthly salaries to support federal efforts in addressing the soaring cost of food and other essentials.
The move comes in response to growing discontent and planned protests over the country’s economic conditions. High inflation rates have exacerbated the situation, following the removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the naira.
The reforms have left millions of Nigerians struggling with an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis. Despite these challenges, the government has yet to increase the minimum wage, nearly a year after these policies were implemented.
In stark contrast, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has indicated a plan to purchase a new presidential plane, and Vice President Kashim Shettima recently received a N21 billion mansion funded by taxpayers.
Too little?
The House motion was referred to the committees on Humanitarian Affairs, Finance, and Budget for implementation.
The salary cut by lawmakers is intended to support the government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of inflation on citizens. By reducing their salaries by half, the 360 lawmakers will collectively contribute N108 million monthly to these efforts for the next six months.
However, the gesture has been met with skepticism by many Nigerians who believe it will not make a significant difference.
Critics point out that the real earnings of lawmakers come from the substantial allowances they receive, as high as N22 million monthly. Former Speaker Yakubu Dogara revealed in July that he earned N25 million as allowances.
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