Members of the House of Representatives have agreed to a 50 percent salary cut for six months as a show of solidarity with Nigerians enduring economic hardship and hunger.
This decision followed the adoption of an amendment to a motion’s prayer moved by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who proposed that lawmakers sacrifice 50% of their N600,000 monthly salaries to support Nigerians facing severe economic challenges.
Kalu’s amended prayer was attached to a motion by Rep Isiaka Ayokunle, who urged proponents of the planned nationwide protests to abandon the idea and engage the government in dialogue instead.
The Deputy Speaker explained that the salary cut would contribute to the federal government’s efforts to address the rising cost of food and ameliorate the hardship Nigerians are experiencing.
According to Daily Trust, by slashing their salaries, the 360 lawmakers will collectively sacrifice N108 million monthly for the next six months.
The motion was adopted and referred to the committees on Humanitarian Affairs, Finance, and Budget for compliance.
