Labour Kicks Against RMAFC’s Plan to Raise Politicians’ Pay

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the decision of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to embark on a comprehensive upward review of the remuneration packages of political office holders across the country.

In a statement signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the union described the move as “insensitive, unjust and inequitable,” warning that it would further widen the gap between civil servants and political office holders while worsening poverty among ordinary Nigerians.

“Making public office a sanctuary for wealth-making instead of service and sacrifice will raise the stakes and desperation for political positions, with dangerous consequences, including self-extinction,” Ajaero cautioned.



The NLC criticized RMAFC Chairman Mohammed Usman for attempting to justify the review, describing his explanations as “puerile” and insulting to the intelligence of Nigerians. The statement argued that political office holders already enjoy numerous perks and hidden benefits that place them far above the struggling majority.

Wage Freeze vs. Politicians’ Pay Rise

The labour movement noted that the planned increase is coming at a time when civil servants face salary stagnation and promotion freezes, with the national minimum wage still pegged at ₦70,000, despite escalating living costs and tariff hikes.

The NLC recalled that the last wage adjustment for civil servants was less than 50 percent, while a subsequent review for political office holders exceeded 800 percent.

It further decried the disparity in pay structures, noting that while civil servants’ earnings vary by state, political office holders nationwide enjoy uniform salaries. For instance, a councillor in Yobe State reportedly earns the same as a councillor in Rivers State.

Labour’s Demands

The NLC insisted that fair remuneration must be across board and equitable, not discriminatory. It therefore demanded that:

The current earnings of all political office holders be made public.

The benchmark for the proposed review be disclosed.

The planned exercise be suspended immediately to avoid sparking a social backlash.


Ajaero warned that proceeding with the review could “trigger a tsunami” of public anger, likening the move to a subtle form of economic apartheid against ordinary Nigerians.