In an effort to address Nigeria’s severe economic crisis, the House of Representatives has decided to cut its 360 members’ salaries by 50 percent for the next six months. This decision came during a plenary session held yesterday
The timing is crucial, as the West African nation is bracing for a week-long street protest planned for the first week of August. The move was suggested by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and supported by the majority of lawmakers.
This follows a motion by Isiaka Ayokunle, representing the Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency in Ogun State, urging Nigerians to reconsider their planned protests against the government.
Kalu explained that the salary cuts will help mitigate the rising cost of food items, providing relief to Nigerians. The House Committees on Humanitarian Affairs and Finance and Budget will implement these changes.
According to Daily Trust, each 358 lawmaker earns N600,000 (U.S. $426) per month. A 50 percent salary cut would mean each lawmaker would forfeit N300,000 (U.S.$213.00) per month. Over six months, this would amount to N1.8 million (U.S.$1,278.00) per lawmaker.
However, there are varying reports about the monthly pay. A recent Business Day report states that the annual pay for each of the 358 National Assembly members is N1.99 million (U.S.$1,221). The monthly pay for each member is approximately N165,833 (U.S.$102), according to Business Day.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
