Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the sacrifices of members of the House of Representatives as they decided to reduce their salaries by 50% for six months as a demonstration of solidarity and shared sacrifice with the Nigerian people who are currently experiencing economic challenges and food insecurity.
He emphasizes that this is merely a drop in the ocean of Nigeria’s fiscal challenges.
In a statement on his X account, the ex-vice president stressed that the core issue lies within the allowances of lawmakers and government officials, not their salaries.
Atiku expressed concerns over the much-trumpeted implementation of the Oronsaye Report, noting the ballooning of MDAs with the attendant cost implications.
He argued that there’s too much wastage and prioritisation of non-essential expenditures in government.
According to him, what is desirable is an across-the-board cut in expenses, stressing that Nigeria can no longer afford to borrow money to fund continued irresponsibility in government.
‘’The sacrifice of members of the House of Representatives is commendable. But it is a drop in the ocean. The demons are in the allowances and not the salaries of lawmakers and government officials in general. Whatever happened to the much-trumpeted implementation of the Oronsaye Report? Recently, the ballooning of MDAs with the attendant cost implications has been observed. There’s too much wastage and prioritisation of non-essential expenditures. What is desirable is an across the board cut in expenses. We can no longer afford to borrow money to fund continued irresponsibility in government.”
The Oronsaye Report highlights the high cost of governance in Nigeria, which continues to strain the national budget. By addressing these inefficiencies, the government would be able to allocate resources more effectively and reduce unnecessary expenditures
Earlier today, members of the House of Representatives unanimously agreed to a significant gesture of solidarity amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges and food insecurity. They have decided to reduce their salaries by half for a period of six months.
