A prominent characteristic of Nigeria’s political landscape is the practice of philanthropy driven by self-serving interests. Politicians often engage in publicity-seeking charitable acts to project empathy towards the nation’s impoverished population, with some of these so-called “philanthropists” currently facing investigations for corruption.
In mid-March, members of the House of Representatives demonstrated this trend by presenting a significant donation. Speaker Abass Tajudeen announced a cheque of N705 million to President Bola Tinubu aimed at aiding vulnerable citizens. This amount represents a six-month 50% salary reduction from the lawmakers’ earnings intended to bolster the humanitarian initiatives of the president.
However, the public’s reaction was largely indifferent, primarily due to the substantial allowances that House members receive. Observers point out that these allowances have not been adjusted to reflect the ongoing economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
According to recent reports, Nigeria’s lawmakers are recognized as some of the highest-paid globally, with the 2024 budget allocated N2.84 billion for salaries of the 358 Representatives, alongside N21.04 billion for allowances. This indicates that lawmakers’ allowances are nearly tenfold their salaries.
Senators’ remuneration is slightly higher, with their salaries amounting to N868.3 million and their allowances costing N7.72 billion in the 2024 budget. Consequently, the donation of 50% of salaries appears trivial, particularly in light of Nigeria’s pressing needs.
As Africa’s most populous nation grapples with significant economic challenges, it demands visionary leadership capable of transcending traditional practices of governance that perpetuate corruption and inefficiency. The country is burdened with a national debt of N142 trillion, accompanied by a budget deficit of N13.39 trillion and a debt servicing requirement of N16.3 trillion.
While lawmakers enjoy lavish lifestyles, the average wage stands at a mere N70,000 (approximately $40) monthly, highlighting a stark disparity in income. Nigeria’s budget for 2025 is set at N54.99 trillion ($36.4 billion), alarmingly insufficient to tackle the country’s myriad social and economic issues.
In contrast, Egypt, with a population of 114.5 million, has a 2025 budget of $91 billion, while Ghana’s budget for the same year is $19 billion despite facing its own economic hurdles. South Africa, home to 63.21 million people, boasts a 2025 budget of $141.4 billion, underscoring the challenges posed by Nigeria’s devalued currency.
Federal lawmakers must recognize that a significant portion of the national budget will be financed through borrowing. Therefore, the focus should shift from self-serving practices to establishing policies and laws that attract substantial investments, breaking the cycle of poverty.
Currently, legislators are perceived as disengaged, enjoying their privileges while the nation struggles. They must re-evaluate their priorities and consider substantial cuts to their exorbitant pay, which starkly contrasts with the dire poverty affecting millions of Nigerians. Strengthening anti-corruption laws and reducing governance costs should be paramount for the advancement of the nation.
