WYSN press statement to stop the increase in the salaries of political office holders salary
Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN) press statement to stop the increase in the salaries of political office holders salary
PRESS STATEMENT
Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN)
Date: 24th August, 2025
NO TO SALARY INCREASE FOR POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS – FUND JOBS, EDUCATION, AND WORKERS’ WAGES INSTEAD!
The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN) firmly rejects and condemns the proposed or ongoing increase in the salaries and allowances of political office holders across the country. At a time when working people, unemployed youth, and students are facing one of the worst economic crises in recent history—marked by skyrocketing inflation, joblessness, poor wages, and collapsing public infrastructure—it is an outrage that the political elite are rewarding themselves with even more money.
This proposed salary increase is not only immoral, but a clear reflection of a system that prioritizes the wealth and comfort of a few at the top while abandoning the basic needs of millions. It is further proof that the ruling class is completely disconnected from the daily realities of the people they claim to serve.
While political officeholders enjoy lavish lifestyles, many Nigerians struggle to access basic necessities, such as healthcare, education, and housing. This proposal will further exacerbate income inequality and worsen poverty. It is unfortunate that the Federal Government hasn’t implemented the 70,000 minimum wage for workers. Even though it is glaring that this recent approved minimum wage has been eroded by inflation.
We ask: What justification exists for politicians to increase their already bloated earnings while workers are forced to survive on a minimum wage that cannot feed a family? Why is there always money for political luxury but never enough for education, health, jobs, or infrastructure?
We believe that a just society is one where the needs of the many come before the greed of the few.
OUR DEMANDS:
- Immediate cancellation of any salary or allowance increases for political office holders.
- Slash in political salaries and privileges, and channel the funds to social services, education, job creation, and living wages for all workers.
- Implementation of a genuine living wage for all Nigerian workers, tied to the cost of living.
- Full public funding of education and health, with democratic control by workers, students, and communities.
- End to wasteful spending and corruption, with democratic accountability of public funds.
We call on all workers, youth, and civil society organizations to join us in condemning this proposal. Together, we can demand a more equitable society and ensure that our government prioritizes the needs of the people, not just the privileged few.
WYSN calls on all progressive forces—workers’ unions, student unions, unemployed youth groups, and community organizations—to unite and resist this criminal enrichment of the ruling elite. We must organize protests, forums, and joint campaigns to stop this betrayal of public trust.
Let the politicians live like the people they represent. If they say there’s no money for the masses, then there should be no money for themselves either.
We call on Nigerians to join forces with the African Action Congress as a step towards building a mass workers’ political alternative that can bring about a working people’s socialist government that can end jumbo pay for political office holders and place commanding heights of the economy in the hands of elected representatives of the people.
We say:
NO to a salary increase for politicians!
YES to jobs, education, healthcare, and living wages!
Issued by:
Comrade Iortyom Ushahemba Moses
Secretary
Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN)