Nigerians Kick Against Proposed Pay Rise for Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio, Others

By Diafa Doubra,

A wave of public anger has trailed reports that top government officials, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other high ranking politicians, may soon receive a salary increase.

Many Nigerians, already grappling with soaring food prices, inflation, and economic hardship, see the move as insensitive and unjustifiable. Citizens argue that raising the earnings of political leaders at a time when millions are struggling to afford basic necessities shows a lack of empathy from the country’s leadership.

Civil society groups and social media users have joined the chorus of criticism, insisting that resources should be directed toward job creation, education, and healthcare rather than boosting the pay of already well paid officeholders.

The backlash highlights growing frustration with governance in Nigeria, as many demand that leaders cut costs, reduce government waste, and focus on policies that directly ease the burden on ordinary citizens.