SERAP Makes Move to Take FG to Court Over Plans of 114% Salary Increase

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) is making plans to take President Bola Tinubu's administration to court over the proposed plan to increase the salaries of top government officials.

SERAP made the announcement on their Twitter handle.

"We're suing the Tinubu administration for its outrageous and illegal 114% rise in the salaries of the President, Vice President, state governors, and lawmakers, while over 133 million Nigerians live in extreme poverty," it said.

However, it wasn’t long after the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission advocated raising the basic salary of persons in judicial and political positions.

Alhaji Muhammadu Shehu, Chairman of the Commission, who was represented by Mrs Rakiya Tanko-Ayuba, RMAFC commissioner from Kebbi State, disclosed this on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, during the presentation of the reviewed remuneration package of political and judicial office holders to Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris.

The proposed salary increases were described as "outrageous," with over 133 million Nigerians now living in abysmal poverty.

The president, his vice president, parliamentarians, judges, and the 36 state governors will all profit from the salary rise.

Will the Proposed Salary Rise Affect Nigerians?

The proposed salary rise will affect Nigerians negatively because the country is at its worst state presently. With a country facing a high inflation rate, it will be foolish to call for a rise in the salary of top officials when that money can be used to better the lives of millions of Nigerians.

At this point, we should be thinking about reducing the salary of top officials so as to cover for other sectors that are lacking behind. Presently, there are lots of states with unpaid salaries that have not been looked upon for years. And we’re not talking anything about it! 

The new administration should act on improving sectors that will boost revenue rather than looking for a way to increase their salaries.