society
Hunger in the Streets, Lights Out, Roads Dead, Insecurity High; yet Billions in the State House: Tinubu and Ministers Demand Fatter Pay While Nigeria Bleeds
Hunger in the Streets, Lights Out, Roads Dead, Insecurity High; yet Billions in the State House: Tinubu and Ministers Demand Fatter Pay While Nigeria Bleeds.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | For SaharaWeeklyNG.com
Nigeria stands at a crossroads: blackouts haunt our cities, bandits rule our highways, craters replace roads and hunger gnaws at daily life. Yet the very guardians meant to deliver relief (our President, ministers and top officials) are now eyeing SALARY HIKES, even as POVERTY DEEPENS.
Basic Salaries vs. True Take-Home Pay. The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has reiterated that the President’s basic monthly salary is roughly ₦1.17 million, with ministers receiving about ₦1 million and agency heads like the CBN Governor earning up to 10 times more.
Let us go beyond the “BASIC SALARY” headlines. A recent breakdown highlights the substantive financial reality:
President (Tinubu):
Basic salary: ₦292,892/month
Consolidated allowances: ₦878,676/month
Estimated total: ₦1,171,568/month (≈₦14.06 million/year), EXCLUDING estacodes, duty tour, security, housing, travel, gratuity and more.
Ministers:
From the earlier RMAFC schedule (2008 framework still operative)
Basic salary: ₦168,867/month
Motor vehicle fuelling & maintenance (75%): ₦126,650/month
Personal assistant (25%): ₦42,217/month
Domestic staff (75%): ₦122,349/month
Entertainment (45%): ₦73,409/month
Utilities (30%): ₦48,939/month
Monitoring, newspapers and other allowances: small additional amounts
Estimated total: ≈₦628,057/month (basic + scheduled allowances).
These figures still don’t account for discretionary perks, like duty-tour allowances (₦35,000/day within Nigeria), estacodes (up to USD 4,000/day while abroad), security allowances, housing upkeep, travel entitlements and severance packages that cumulatively add tens of millions annually.
Context Is Everything and Context Is Miserable.
When RMAFC labels the President’s salary as only ₦1.17 million a month “A JOKE,” are they misjudging or insulting suffering Nigerians? That sum might look modest until you add the tang of FREE RESIDENCES, ARMORED CONVOYS, INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL TRIPS, ESTACODES and FOREIGN ALLOWANCES that the public foots the bill for.
Last year (2023), RMAFC quietly proposed a 114% salary hike for politicians and judges sparking public outrage. It failed. Now, in 2025 amidst rising cost of living and persistent power cuts, the same proposal reemerges with arrogance intact and empathy discarded.
What Scholars Teach Us.
Economist Amartya Sen teaches us that true development expands individual freedoms; FREEDOM from HUNGER, FEAR, ILLNESS and IGNORANCE. What kind of freedom is it when POVERTY CLAWS at our families while our leaders weigh pay hikes? Nelson Mandela urges that a nation should be judged not by how it treats the powerful, but how it cares for its weakest.
The widening divide (a President earning almost ₦1,2 million/month while citizens faint for electricity, about ₦1 miillion for ministers while the roads are impassable) is a moral indictment, not a policy question.
Rebalancing, Not Reckless Raises, Should Be the Priority.
RMAFC’s own admission frames the problem: “CBN governors and some DGs earn 10× more.”
A SYSTEM THAT SELLS incompetence AND CHEAP AND OVERPAY UNELECTED OFFICIALS IS BROKEN.
The remedy? Rebalance; not raise:
Harmonise pay across public service: Normalize compensation so unelected appointees do not overshadow elected leaders.
Cut unnecessary overheads: Expense a leaner government with strict “VALUE-FOR-MONEY” checks on convoys, delegations and discretionary spending.
Tie raises to delivery: No improvements in electricity availability, road rehabilitation, school functionality or crime rates? No pay rise.
Publish the Real Numbers (Transparency).
Citizens deserve to see everything. This month’s paycheck is one thing; what about:
HOUSING MAINTENANCE
SECURITY STAFFING
TRAVEL COSTS (domestic and international)
ESTACODES and DUTY-TOUR ENTITLEMENTS
GRATUITY/SEVERANCE PACKAGES
Publish every line item and let truth be the basis for accountability.
The Facts Nigerians Must Hold On To.
Tinubu’s income: ₦292,892 basic + ₦878,676 allowances = ₦1.17 million monthly (₦14 million/year), per RMAFC-referenced breakdowns.
Ministers: approximately ₦628,000 monthly, based on 2008 statutory schedule.
RMAFC noted pay disparity: CBN and DG salaries tower over the President’s.
2023 proposal for 114% hike died under public outrage; its revival is cynically timed.
What Accountability Looks Like (A Citizen’s Demand).
Moratorium on raises until key indicators improve (POWER SUPPLY, INFRASTRUCTURE, SECURITY)
Full compensation disclosure: PUBLISH ALL COMPONENTS OF TOP OFFICES’ COSTS.
Cap and reform: LOWER OUTLIER PAY RATHER THAN RAISE COLLECTIVE AVERAGE
Institutional safeguards: SUBJECT FUTURE REMUNERATION CHANGES to PUBLIC HEARINGS and CLEAR PERFORMANCE METRICS
As John Rawls argues, social and economic inequalities are justifiable only if they benefit the least advantaged. Our current scenario (elite enrichment amid mass suffering) is a reversal of that principle.
Our Fearless Demand.
Nigerians pay the price with taxes, suffering and resilience. To ask for higher pay now is to punish hardship. As Thomas Sankara famously declared, “He who feeds you, controls you.” We feed this system. We demand that governance be accountability, competence and service, not compensation without consequence.
So here’s the message: No increases until the lights shine. No raises until hunger fades. No scale-ups until our roads, schools and people are healed.
society
UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin
UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.
May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.
In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.
### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.
2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.
UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.
3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.
4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.
For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.
United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.
society
Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements
Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.
In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.
According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.
He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.
“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.
The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.
He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.
“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.
Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.
While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.
“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.
The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.
He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.
society
NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers
NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers
The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Oyo State wing of the union described the situation as increasingly distressing, particularly following the emergence of a video allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims pleading for their freedom.
The union said the footage had heightened fears over the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
According to the NUT, no child or teacher deserves to be subjected to such traumatic experiences, adding that the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to inflict psychological pain on their families, colleagues and the wider education community.
The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.
“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.
While acknowledging ongoing interventions by security agencies and government authorities, the union stressed that time was of the essence, warning that every additional day in captivity deepens the trauma suffered by the victims.
The NUT urged security operatives to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.
It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.
“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.
Reaffirming its support for the families of the victims, the NUT pledged continued solidarity and prayers while advocating safer learning environments across the country.
The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.
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