Breaking: Controversy as Nigerian lawmakers commit 50% of salaries to help alleviate hunger crisis

• The House of Representatives agreed to donate 50 per cent of their monthly salaries to address the current economic crisis in the country
• The decision was made after the Deputy Speaker proposed an amendment suggesting that lawmakers sacrifice half of their pay to combat hunger
• Speaker Hon. Abbas Tajudeen commended the members for their commitment, highlighting that a similar measure was influential during the COVID-19 pandemic

FCT, Abuja—On Thursday, July 18, the House of Representatives decided to donate 50 per cent of their monthly salaries to alleviate the country's current economic crisis.

The Speaker indicated that each lawmaker earns approximately N600,000 per month.

Reps members move to address economic hardship in Nigeria Photo credit: @OrderPaper
Source: Twitter

The Deputy Speaker suggested an amendment to a motion that called on young Nigerians to reconsider their planned protest against the country's hardships.

He proposed that lawmakers give up half their salaries to combat hunger.

When Speaker Hon. Abbas Tajudeen put the motion to a voice vote, the majority of members supported it, The Nation reported.

In proposing the amendment, Kalu reminded the House that a similar measure was taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, which proved effective for the country.

The Speaker praised the members for their commitment to addressing hunger, and several members urged the Executive branch to make sacrifices in line with the lawmakers' actions, TheCable reported.

Nigerians react

Following this move, Nigerians took to their social media X handle to express their opinions.

@ayampeky said:

"Lol... It is toooo late for this eye service. Slash it by 70% and change in its entirety the 1999 constitution."

@DanObed374851 said:

"Wether the NASS' "Salary Slash of 50% " is for 6 or 1 month, it underscores the beautiful of progress we can attained united & standing up against our Leaders!"Now, we must question the Legislatures if this 6 months gesture is enough to re-positioned our country - financially?"

@USMANBABBA80305 said:

"This is just window dressing...They have to do better than this. I don't think this is enough to appease Nigerians. So after 6 months, everything will slide back to the status quo?"

Bill seeking 6-year single term for President, other scales first reading

In another development, Legit.ng reported that on Wednesday, July 17, the House of Representatives passed the first reading of a bill to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish a single six-year term for the President, State Governors, and Local Government Area Chairmen.

This change is intended to reduce the waste associated with the current four-year election cycle.

Source: Legit.ng