-
SERAP warns against salary hike for political leaders amid widespread poverty.
-
Group cites constitutional violations and a subsisting court ruling.
-
Urges President Tinubu to block RMAFC and stop National Assembly endorsement.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has urged President Bola Tinubu to stop the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, from implementing a proposed salary increase for political and public office holders.
In a letter dated August 23, 2025, and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the group described the plan to raise salaries for the president, vice president, governors, deputies, and federal lawmakers as unlawful, unconstitutional, and a betrayal of Nigerians living in poverty.
SERAP stressed that the move violates the Nigerian Constitution and disregards a judgment by Justice Dele Peters of the National Industrial Court delivered in July 2022, which bars the government from increasing salaries of public officials without legal backing.
The organisation insisted that raising the pay of political leaders at a time when millions of Nigerians face worsening economic hardship shows insensitivity and disregard for public interest.
It further called on President Tinubu to direct RMAFC to suspend the proposed review and ensure that no public office holder accepts or approves the increment.
SERAP maintained that the coalition’s mandate is to ensure accountability in governance and protect citizens from exploitative policies.