The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Tinubu and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to halt the recent attempt to increase salaries for political and public office holders, describing it as illegal and unconstitutional. The rights advocate body appeal specifically targets salary hikes for the president, vice-president, governors, their deputies, and members of the National Assembly.
In a letter addressed to the President, and posted on its official X handle on August 24, 2025, SERAP urged him to instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to ensure compliance with a judgment delivered by Justice Chuka Austine Obiozor, which directed the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to review downward the salaries and allowances of members of the National Assembly.
“The RMAFC’s constitutional and statutory mandates clearly do not imply unrestrained powers to increase the salaries of the president, vice-president, governors, their deputies, and lawmakers,” the organisation stated.
SERAP argued that suspending the proposed pay hike would protect the public interest and uphold Nigerians’ fundamental rights at a time when over 133 million citizens live in poverty and several state governments struggle to pay salaries and pensions.
“The imminent pay rise is a gross misuse of the RMAFC’s constitutional mandates,” the group said, stressing that the commission cannot “legitimately or justifiably” approve higher wages for political leaders while millions face worsening living standards and deteriorating public services.
The group also faulted the commission’s recent justification for the proposal, citing remarks by RMAFC Chairman Mohammed Bello, who on August 18, 2025, described current salaries of political office holders as “paltry.”
SERAP further reminded President Tinubu of his inauguration pledge to uphold the rule of law, fairness, and equality, warning that allowing the increase to proceed would contradict those commitments.
“The RMFAC seems to consistently act to the advantage of political office holders over the interests of poor Nigerians. Directing the suspension of this pay raise would be consistent with your constitutional oath of office and your expressed commitment to build a better society through collective sacrifice,” the organisation stated.
While opposing the raise for politicians, SERAP expressed support for a long overdue upward review of the salaries and allowances of Nigerian judges, arguing that such a measure would strengthen the judiciary and improve access to justice for victims of corruption and human rights abuses.
The organisation has given the Federal Government and the RMAFC seven days to comply with its demands, failing which it vowed to pursue legal action to compel compliance.
Credit: @SERAPNigeria via X.
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