The Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has responded to reports of an increase in salaries for political office holders and judicial officers, stating that no approval was given by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) recommended a 114% salary increase for elected politicians, including the president, vice president, governors, and lawmakers, but the Presidency clarified that such proposals require presidential approval and subsequent passage through the National Assembly.
The statement emphasized that the report was fake news aimed at creating disaffection for the new government. The public and media were urged to disregard unofficial information. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, criticized the RMAFC’s recommendation, deeming it insensitive given the country’s economic struggles and high poverty rates. Obi called for a focus on cutting the cost of governance and alleviating the suffering of Nigerians, suggesting that the salary increment be reversed and the savings directed towards education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
