The House of Representatives has yet to implement its resolution to reduce members’ salaries by 50 per cent for six months, despite passing the resolution on July 18.
The House spokesman, Rotimi Akin, attributed the delay to bureaucracy, stating: “The House of Representatives remains committed to the resolution passed on July 18, which mandates a 50% reduction in the salaries of honourable members for the period from July to December 2024. We acknowledge and regret that this resolution was not implemented by the bureaucracy as intended for the month of July.”
The resolution was made in response to a motion seeking to prevent a nationwide hunger protest, which began on August 1. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu had amended the motion to include a plea for lawmakers to sacrifice 50% of their salaries to support government intervention efforts.
He said: “This government is doing its best, but one year is not enough to address the challenges of this country. I want to plead with our colleagues to sacrifice 50% for a period of six months. Our salary is N600,000 a month. I want to plead that we let go of 50% of our salary for six months. With each member paying N300,000 into a common purse, the legislative chamber will be contributing N108m monthly to the Federal Government and N648m for six months.”
Despite the unanimous adoption of the resolution, lawmakers collected their full July salaries.
Akin explained: “This delay was due to necessary administrative procedures and coordination with financial institutions. Instructions for adjusting salaries have now been issued and will be enforced moving forward to ensure our pledge is fully realised. We appreciate your patience and assure you of our steadfast adherence to this pledge.”
