The Nigeria Labour Congress and several Civil Society Organizations including ActionAid and Yiaga Africa, have responded to the House of Representatives’ decision to halve their salaries by 50% for six months to alleviate the nation’s current hardships.
They argue that the focus should be on cutting the substantial allowances of the lawmakers rather than their salaries to have a more meaningful impact.
The House of Representatives announced their decision on Thursday, committing to support the federal government with N648 million over six months by reducing their salaries by 50% to address food insufficiency and high food costs in the country.
The lawmakers also urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu’s administration as it tackles various challenges.
The House further tasked its committees on appropriation, humanitarian affairs, finance, and budget to ensure compliance with this resolution.
The decision followed a motion moved by Ibrahim Isiaka, APC-Ogun State, during a plenary session in Abuja.
Isiaka emphasized that while Nigerians have the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest, the House was pleading for reason, understanding, and unity amidst adversity.
He advocated for maintaining peace and engaging in constructive dialogue with the government.
“This honourable House appeals to the proponents of the proposed nationwide protest in Nigeria to consider a different path, a path of patience, dialogue, and collaboration, prioritize peace and open channels for meaningful engagements with the government at all levels,” Isiaka stated.
He highlighted the importance of upholding democratic principles, respecting human rights, and adhering to the rule of law, trusting that peaceful engagement and dialogue could lead to a better future for Nigeria.
Isiaka acknowledged the significant challenges Nigeria faces, including insecurity, unemployment, and poverty, which he noted are not unique to Nigeria alone but are global issues.
He urged Nigerians not to lose sight of the incremental progress and reforms being implemented towards a more prosperous nation.
Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, who proposed the motion for lawmakers to donate 50% of their salaries for six months, argued that protests are not a solution to hunger.
“Solution is not found in raising placard, Rome is not built in a day. Let us give support to all policies of government to better the lives of citizens,” he said.
He called for sacrifices, urging people to bear with the government and support its policies.
Ahmed Jaha, APC-Borno, contributed, noting that it would take time to correct long-standing issues and appealed for patience.
“Remember, tough times do not last forever for tough men. And there is always a light at the end of every struggle,” he said, urging young Nigerians to trust the government’s policies and programs, especially in education and student loans.
Reacting to the gesture, a leader of the NLC, who requested anonymity, stated, “The salary is not the problem but their allowances. Their salaries are just about 10 per cent of their allowances. We don’t have problems with their salaries. They should reduce their allowances by 50 per cent.”
He suggested that the reduction should continue until the economy improves, extending this call to the executive branch as well.
Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, viewed the salary cut as a symbolic action but insufficient.
“It is a symbolic action, it shows they are feeling the nation but this is not what Nigerians are looking for,” he said.
Itodo emphasized that Nigerians expect more from the National Assembly, particularly in holding the executive accountable for economic policies and addressing the rising cost of commodities.
Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, acknowledged the salary cut as a positive step but stressed that it was only a small part of a larger solution.
He pointed to the need for broader cuts in allowances, constituency projects, and overall government spending, referencing the Oronsaye Report and the need for deliberate cost-cutting measures across all branches of government.
