Proposed electricity hike, pay raise for public officials: Let the poor breathe

The news of a planned 114 percent increase in the salaries of the president, legislators, and judiciary has sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians.

The outcry is not surprising, considering the recent removal of fuel subsidy which has caused prices of goods and services to skyrocket. Many people can no longer afford to buy fuel, resulting in fewer cars on the road and even forcing some individuals to embark on long walks to reach their destinations. The cost of living in Nigeria has become exorbitant, with even basic necessities becoming increasingly expensive.

In Nigeria, the price of fuel affects everything, including the cost of bride price. The government urged citizens to make sacrifices, promising that the money saved from the subsidy removal would be invested in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

However, in the midst of this unbearable hardship, news of the proposed salary increase emerged.

Even though it was just a recommendation, the timing of the leak was incredibly inappropriate and had the potential to ignite social unrest in the country.

One wonders what the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) was thinking, or if they were even considering the consequences of their actions. While it is acknowledged that this was only a recommendation, disclosing such news at this juncture reflects a shocking level of insensitivity. It appears as though they want to strain the relationship between the new administration and the Nigerian people.

The individual who gave the recent interview should seriously consider finding a new job. At a time when most Nigerians are demanding a reduction in the cost of governance and a decrease in the salaries of political elites, such news leaking out is highly inappropriate. Even contemplating or recommending such an increase at this point in time is sinful.

Fortunately, presidential spokesman Dele Alake issued a statement unequivocally stating that President Bola Tinubu has not approved any salary increase, nor has any such proposal been presented to him for consideration. He emphasised that while the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission has the constitutional authority to propose and determine the salaries and allowances of political office holders and judicial officers, these changes cannot come into effect until they are duly considered and approved by the President.

However, it seems that the damage has already been done, and the statement may have come a little too late to mitigate the impact of the news.

In addition to the removal of subsidies, there is also a scheduled 40 percent increase in electricity tariffs starting from July 1st. This move is highly insensitive, as it further burdens Nigerians who are already struggling to cope.

In the words of President Tinubu “let the poor breathe, don’t suffocate them”. The government should allow its citizens to breathe and take into account the economic realities they are facing. This hike in electricity tariffs, combined with multiple taxations and the overall increase in the cost of goods and services, will undoubtedly lead to the closure of many small and medium-scale businesses.

These are undoubtedly challenging times, and the law should be applied with compassion. The planned increase should be suspended until Nigerians begin to see the benefits of the removal of fuel subsidies. Let the poor have some respite.