Several news media reported that the Federal Government has approved a 114% salary increase for all elected politicians in Nigeria.
The claim is FALSE
The headline “FG approves 114% salary increase for Tinubu, Shettima, gov, others” was seen on several media platforms.
Reports said that the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) chairman, Muhammad Shehu, made the call at the presentation of reports of the reviewed remuneration package to Kebbi State governor, Dr Nasir Idris, on June 20 in Birnin Kebbi. The chairman, represented by a federal commissioner, Rakiya Tanko-Ayuba, disclosed that the last amendment was in 2007.
Although the Commission recommended the increment before the new administration, it is yet to be approved by the new executive.
This prompted the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Projects (SERAP), a civil society organisation promoting transparency in government, to call on the government to “reject the outrageous proposal” or face the music at the court of law.
According to news report, the recent remuneration review was effective from January 1, 2023, under the Buhari-led administration. However, the executive and legislative houses were exempted, as only the judiciary and other workers benefited from the review.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the commission, Christian Nwachukwu, also reacted to the report, disclosing that Tinubu has yet to approve the review.
Conclusion
The claim that salary of elected politicians in Nigeria has been increased by a 114% is FALSE as it is still a proposal.
