By Huldah Shado
Founder of Follow The Money, Hamzat Lawal, has criticized the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission’s plan to review and increase salaries for political office holders in Nigeria.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, Lawal urged politicians who feel underpaid to resign and join the private sector instead.
“I understand that over 33 years, we have not really reviewed some of these allocations and the salary of the President, but this is not the time to do that; that country cannot afford it,” Lawal said. “If our politicians feel they are not paid what they deserve, they should resign, find a job, or create their own companies and allocate salaries to themselves. Let them not burden Nigerians further.”
Lawal described the proposed salary increase as “rent-seeking”, aimed at pleasing the President rather than focusing on constitutional duties.
He argued the commission’s priorities are misplaced and should instead ensure prudent use of funds and value for money.
The activist also criticized the proposal as insensitive and potentially damaging to President Tinubu’s popularity.
He suggested reallocating resources to strengthen local government autonomy and adjusting salaries so that high-earning public office holders subsidize lower earners.
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, stated that President Tinubu currently earns ₦1.5 million monthly, while ministers receive less than ₦1 million, salaries that have remained unchanged since 2008.
Shehu described the pay as inadequate given rising responsibilities and economic pressures.
