BREAKING: Reps to sacrifice 50 percent of monthly salaries to address hunger

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen

BREAKING: Reps to sacrifice 50 percent of monthly salaries to address hunger

Members of the House of Representatives on Thursday, July 18, resolved to contribute 50 percent of their monthly salaries for six months to alleviate economic hardships, particularly hunger, in the country.

Speaker Abbas indicated that each member earns approximately N600,000 monthly, resulting in a total contribution of about N108 million per month from the 360 members.

The funds will be directed to the government for the purchase of food items to distribute to Nigerians.

The decision followed a debate on a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka (APC, Ogun), which emphasised the importance of halting proposed nationwide protests, maintaining peace, avoiding violence, and fostering meaningful engagement with government at all levels to address pressing issues.

The deputy speaker proposed amending a motion appealing to young Nigerians planning protests due to the country’s hardships, suggesting that members should consider sacrificing half of their salaries to combat hunger.

However, when the Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen put the motion to voice vote, the majority of members voted in favour of the motion.

In proposing the amendment, Kalu had reminded members that the House took a similar decision during the COVID-19 era and it worked very well for the country.

The speaker commended members for their resolve to sacrifice part of their salaries to address hunger in the land just as some members asked the Executive to also make sacrifices in line with what the lawmakers have done.

Moving the motion earlier, Hon. Isiaka said while the citizens of Nigeria have the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest to address their grievances; the House presents with a humble plea, a plea for reason, understanding, and unity in the face of adversity.