The Federal Government is considering a review of salaries for political office holders, following concerns that the current pay structure is no longer realistic given Nigeria’s economic challenges.

The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mohammed Shehu, disclosed this on Monday during a press conference in Abuja.

He noted that the salaries of top political figures, including the President and ministers, have remained unchanged since 2008.

According to Shehu, President Bola Tinubu currently earns ₦1.5 million monthly, while ministers receive less than ₦1 million.

He described these figures as inadequate compared to the workload and expectations placed on public office holders.

“You are paying the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ₦1.5 million a month, with a population of over 200 million people. Everybody believes that it is a joke.

“You cannot pay a minister less than ₦1 million per month since 2008 and expect him to put in his best without necessarily being involved in some other things.” Shehu said.

He further criticised the disparity between the salaries of political leaders and those of heads of government agencies, noting that some earn as much as ten to twenty times more than ministers and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The RMAFC chairman stressed that the commission’s mandate is limited to political office holders, including governors, legislators, ministers, and directors-general, and called for public support in determining “reasonable living salaries” for these officials.

“In line with this constitutional responsibility and in response to the evolving socio-economic, political and fiscal realities of our nation, the Commission has resolved to initiate the process of reviewing the revenue allocation formula to reflect emerging socio-economic realities,” he stated.

Shehu added that the review was also necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal federalism and promote equity and sustainability in revenue distribution.