Reps Slash Salaries By 50% Over Nationwide Hunger

As part of solidarity and support for the economic hardship in the country, members of the House of Representatives have agreed to slash their salaries by 50 percent for six months.

Naija News reports that the latest development followed the adoption of an amendment to a motion’s prayer moved by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, on the need for lawmakers to sacrifice 50% of their ₦600,000 monthly salaries to support Nigerians.

He said the salary cut is to be used to support the federal government’s efforts to address the rising cost of foodstuffs in the country to alleviate the hardship Nigerians are going through.

Kalu 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 per cent for a period of six months.

“Our salary is ₦600,000 a month. I want to plead that we let go of 50 per cent of our salary for a period of six months.”

Kalu’s amended prayer was to a motion by Rep Isiaka Ayokunle calling on proponents of the planned nationwide protests to jettison the idea and engage the government in dialogue.

The motion was adopted and referred to the committees on Humanitarian Affairs, Finance and Budget for compliance.

With each member paying ₦300,000 into a common purse, the legislative chamber will contribute ₦108 million monthly to the Federal Government and ₦648 million for six months.