The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately halt the proposed salary increase for political office holders, describing the move as “unlawful, unconstitutional, and unjustifiable.”
In a letter dated August 23, 2025, signed by its Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization asked Tinubu to “reject the pay raise for himself, the vice president, governors, deputies, and lawmakers,” and to direct the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to suspend the proposed adjustment.
“Rather than reviewing downward the salaries of political and public office holders to reflect current economic challenges, the commission is arbitrarily increasing them,” SERAP said.
The group also urged the President to direct the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, to enforce a 2021 court judgment by Justice Chuka Austine Obiozor, which ordered the RMAFC to reduce National Assembly members’ salaries in line with economic realities.
“Suspending the imminent pay rise would serve legitimate public interests. When constitutional powers clash with citizens’ rights, the latter must prevail,” SERAP stated.
It warned that the RMAFC’s action could not be justified when over 133 million Nigerians live in poverty and many state governments are unable to pay workers’ salaries or pensions.
“RMFAC cannot legitimately increase salaries for politicians at a time when access to water, electricity, and healthcare remains a dream for millions,” the group noted.
Describing the commission’s recent justification of the pay hike as “deeply flawed,” SERAP said: “The claim that the salaries are ‘paltry’ is disconnected from the harsh realities Nigerians face.”
The organization emphasized that RMAFC’s statutory powers must be exercised within the bounds of reasonableness, equity, and public interest, adding: “The RMAFC does not have unrestrained constitutional or statutory discretion.”
It also reminded Tinubu of his inauguration-day promises, urging him to live up to his words: “Directing the RMFAC to suspend the pay rise will be consistent with your oath of office and your vow to work toward a better society.”
SERAP further expressed support for an upward review of salaries and working conditions for judges, stating: “Improving judicial welfare is critical to access to justice and fighting corruption.”
“If we have not heard from you within seven days of publication of this letter, we shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel compliance in the public interest,” SERAP warned in conclusion.