The Nigerian House of Representatives has announced plans to present a total of N704.91 million, representing half-year salaries of its lawmakers, to President Bola Tinubu on December 31, 2024. The funds are intended to provide relief to vulnerable Nigerians facing economic hardship following the removal of the petrol subsidy.
This initiative stems from a resolution passed on July 18, 2024, initiated by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, where lawmakers agreed to sacrifice 50% of their salaries for six months. The move aims to mitigate hunger and alleviate the socio-economic impact of the subsidy removal on ordinary Nigerians.
During the plenary session in July, Kalu highlighted the urgency of addressing widespread suffering, emphasizing the lawmakers’ responsibility to lead by example. “This government is doing its best, but one year is not enough to resolve the issues facing the country. I want to plead with our colleagues to give up 50% of our salaries for six months,” he said. Lawmakers, whose monthly salary stands at N600,000, unanimously supported the motion.
Updating the House on Thursday, Speaker Tajudeen Abba reminded members of their earlier commitment and revealed the total amount raised so far. “About five months ago, we resolved to contribute half of our salaries to support vulnerable Nigerians. As of now, N704,907,578.82 has been raised. On December 31, I will lead a delegation to hand over the funds to the President for the exclusive benefit of Nigerians in need,” he stated.
The initiative has been praised as a symbolic gesture of solidarity during challenging times, with hopes that the funds will be effectively utilized to ease the burden of the subsidy removal on the most affected Nigerians.