Nigeria Labour Congress Opposes Proposed Salary Increase for Political Office Holders
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has publicly urged the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to reconsider its intention to raise the remuneration of political office holders. In a statement released on Sunday, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero criticized the proposal, labeling it as “insensitive, unfair, and lacking equity.” He emphasized that such a salary adjustment is ill-timed, especially given the current economic challenges facing the country.
Comrade Ajaero highlighted that while ordinary Nigerian workers continue to grapple with inflation rates exceeding 20% and rising living costs, increasing the pay of political leaders would deepen social inequalities and undermine public trust. He called on RMAFC to prioritize the welfare of the broader workforce and focus on policies that promote economic fairness.
Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that unemployment remains high at 33%, and many Nigerians are struggling to meet basic needs. Against this backdrop, the NLC insists that salary increments for political office holders are unjustifiable and could exacerbate social tensions.
Instead, the NLC advocates for a comprehensive review of government expenditure to ensure funds are directed towards improving public services and supporting vulnerable populations. The union also urged the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with labour organizations before making decisions that affect national economic stability.
Source: Nairametrics
0 Comments