Shehu argued that salaries, unchanged since 2008, no longer reflect present realities. He noted that the President earns about one and a half million naira monthly while ministers take home less than one million, amounts he described as unfair compared to the huge pay of agency heads. But the proposal has drawn widespread condemnation. Political parties, civil society groups and religious leaders described it as selfish and provocative at a time when inflation, job losses and poverty are crippling millions of Nigerians. The Arewa Consultative Forum, PDP, NNPP, APGA and Christian leaders all rejected the idea, warning it could spark public anger. They said government should focus instead on improving the welfare of workers, police officers and soldiers who face daily hardship.
Shehu argued that salaries, unchanged since 2008, no longer reflect present realities. He noted that the President earns about one and a half million naira monthly while ministers take home less than one million, amounts he described as unfair compared to the huge pay of agency heads.
But the proposal has drawn widespread condemnation. Political parties, civil society groups and religious leaders described it as selfish and provocative at a time when inflation, job losses and poverty are crippling millions of Nigerians.
The Arewa Consultative Forum, PDP, NNPP, APGA and Christian leaders all rejected the idea, warning it could spark public anger. They said government should focus instead on improving the welfare of workers, police officers and soldiers who face daily hardship.
Critics insist that raising political salaries while ordinary Nigerians struggle to survive would deepen the trust gap between leaders and the people.
