The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), a leading pro-democracy and public interest advocacy organization, has strongly opposed the recent proposal by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to increase the salaries of Nigerian political office holders and senior public officials.
FENRAD described the proposal as insensitive and economically untenable, especially at a time when the country is facing hyperinflation, widespread poverty, high unemployment, and stagnating productivity.
The group expressed concern that several state governments have openly declared their inability to implement the proposed ₦70,000 minimum wage for workers—yet these same governments are expected to bear the cost of increased salaries for political office holders. This contradiction, according to FENRAD, exposes the inequity and misplaced priorities in Nigeria’s fiscal governance framework.
“How can a nation that cannot pay its teachers, healthcare workers, and civil servants a living wage justify increasing the emoluments of already well-remunerated politicians?” FENRAD asked. “The message this sends to the struggling masses is clear: their welfare is expendable, while the comfort of the political elite remains protected.”
FENRAD stressed that leadership, particularly in times of economic crisis, must be defined by empathy, prudence, and sacrifice—not self-enrichment and tone-deaf policies. It warned that implementing the proposed salary hike would worsen income inequality, widen the trust deficit between government and citizens, and deepen social tensions across the country.
The organization therefore called on the Federal Government, the National Assembly, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, organized labour, and civil society to reject the proposal. It urged RMAFC to instead develop a fairer and more sustainable remuneration model—one that prioritizes frontline workers, strengthens critical sectors such as health and education, and meaningfully supports the Nigerian workforce.
FENRAD reaffirmed its commitment to promoting social justice, transparency, and democratic accountability, and urged Nigerians to speak out against fiscal irresponsibility while demanding a government that truly puts the people first.
