Use Your Allowances To Fight Hardship, ActionAid Tells Senators

In a bid to tackle the recent hardship in the country, ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, has urged the senators in the country to end collection of allowances and use the resources to address the crushing difficulties in the country.

ActionAid’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, who made the call, said a significant cut in salary by members of the House of Representatives by 50 per cent, amounting to N648 million in over six months, would help address the challenges.

He said:  “The decision by the House of Representatives to cut their salaries by 50 per cent for six months to address the high cost of food and ensure food sufficiency is commendable.

“Their action signifies a recognition of the severe hardship faced by many Nigerians and reflects a willingness among lawmakers to make personal sacrifices for the greater good of the nation.

“However, we must critically assess the potential impact of this measure. The N648 million that will be contributed over six months is a substantial amount, but the scope of Nigeria’s current economic challenges requires sustained and multifaceted interventions.

“While this gesture is commendable, it must be part of a broader strategy that includes comprehensive economic reforms, investment in sustainable agricultural practices, and robust social protection programmes.

“Nigerians cannot also ignore the significant allowances that lawmakers continue to receive. Senator Shehu Sani noted that beyond their salaries, legislators receive substantial allowances amounting to N13.5 million monthly.

“In this period of hardship, it is unconscionable for senators to continue collecting these allowances without considering a cut.

“The focus should not just be on salaries but on the entire compensation package. These allowances should either be drastically cut or completely halted until the country’s situation improves and six months is just too short a period for the cut.

“Moreover, the salary cuts should not be limited to the House of Representatives but must extend across all tiers of government, including the Senate, state houses of assembly, and the entire executive branch.”