In a move that has sparked mixed reactions, members of the Nigerian House of Representatives have agreed to reduce their salaries by 50% for the next six months.
This decision, aimed at demonstrating solidarity with the Nigerian populace facing economic hardships and food insecurity, has been met with skepticism. Many Nigerians see this gesture as a superficial attempt to pacify growing unrest rather than a substantial effort to address the country’s deep-seated fiscal issues.
Atiku Abubakar’s Take on the Gesture
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar commended the lawmakers’ decision but was quick to point out that this move is merely a “drop in the ocean” of Nigeria’s broader economic challenges.
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In a statement on his X account, Abubakar emphasized that the real issue lies not in the salaries but in the hefty allowances that lawmakers and government officials receive.
“The sacrifice of members of the House of Representatives is commendable. But it is a drop in the ocean. The demons are in the allowances and not the salaries of lawmakers and government officials in general,” he said.
Abubakar also called for the implementation of the Oronsaye Report, which addresses the high cost of governance in Nigeria. He noted the ongoing ballooning of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and the consequent financial strain on the national budget.
“There’s too much wastage and prioritization of non-essential expenditures. What is desirable is an across-the-board cut in expenses. We can no longer afford to borrow money to fund continued irresponsibility in government,” he added.
The Public Not Impressed
Despite the lawmakers’ gesture, many Nigerians remain unmoved. The general sentiment is that the bulk of lawmakers’ income comes from allowances, not their official salaries. This perception has fueled the belief that the salary cut is a token gesture, intended more to stave off potential protests than to effect real change.
In light of recent events in Kenya, where protests against government policies have escalated, Nigerian lawmakers are acutely wary of similar unrest at home. Social media has been abuzz with calls for nationwide protests against economic hardship, scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024. These protests, gaining traction, particularly in the North, aim to highlight the severe economic conditions faced by the average Nigerian.
Deteriorating Economic Hardship
Since President Bola Tinubu announced the abolition of fuel subsidies in May 2023, Nigeria has been grappling with increased economic difficulties. The removal of the subsidy, while aimed at economic reform, has led to a spike in fuel prices and a subsequent rise in the cost of living. This has compounded the financial strain on many Nigerians, prompting calls for a reversal of some government policies.
While the federal government has been adamant about extravagant lifestyles, the lawmakers seem to have read the handwriting on the wall. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who proposed the amendment, highlighted the importance of collective action and shared sacrifice during these tough times. However, the impact of such measures is viewed as limited unless accompanied by broader fiscal reforms.
International and Domestic Efforts
The federal government, in its efforts to curtail hunger, has embarked on occasional food distribution, a move that is deemed significantly deficient as the supplies are not enough to go around.
Also, the international community has been actively involved in addressing Nigeria’s food security issues. Over the past five years, the United States has invested nearly $200 million in Nigerian food security initiatives, including $150 million in grants to thirty-three Nigerian companies and $22 million in Nigeria’s cocoa value chain. Additionally, the United Nations is mobilizing $306 million to combat food insecurity in North-East Nigeria, aiming to support millions facing severe food shortages from June to October.
On Thursday, the federal government reached an agreement with organized labor unions for a N70,000 monthly minimum wage, which will be reviewed in three years.
Despite these efforts, the domestic situation remains tense. The planned protests, supported by figures such as Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), reflect a growing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of economic policies.