The House of Representatives is to hand over the sum of N704.9 million saved from 50 percent salary cut to President Tinubu on December 31st
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas (APC Kaduna), announced on Thursday that members of the House have collectively contributed N704,907,578.82 from their salaries over the past five months to support vulnerable Nigerians struggling with the economic impact of subsidy removal and rising poverty levels.
Speaking during the resumption of plenary, Speaker Abbas explained that the initiative followed a resolution in July for lawmakers to donate 50 percent of their salaries for six months. The decision was made in response to worsening economic conditions and as part of efforts to alleviate the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
“If you recall, about five months ago, we decided to contribute half of our salaries to address the critical needs of the Nigerian people,” Abbas said. “I am happy to inform you that so far, we have contributed N704,907,578.82. On the 31st of December, I will lead a delegation of leadership to hand over the money to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the exclusive use of vulnerable Nigerians who truly need it.”
The Speaker commended members of the House for their commitment to the initiative, noting that it demonstrated their dedication to addressing the challenges facing Nigerians. “This contribution highlights the steadfastness and dedication of members to addressing the critical needs of Nigerians,” he said.
The motion to donate half of lawmakers’ salaries was introduced in July sponsored by Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka (APC Ogun), titled ‘An Appeal to the Proponents of Proposed Nationwide Protest to Maintain Peace, Eschew Violence and Open the Windows for Meaningful Engagements with Government at all Levels in Order to Address their Issues’.
While amending one of the prayers, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu (APC Abia), Kalu argued that while the government was making efforts to address the country’s challenges, lawmakers needed to make sacrifices to support Nigerians facing economic hardship.
“This government is doing its best, but one year is not enough to address the challenges of this country,” Kalu said at the time. “I want to plead with our colleagues to sacrifice 50 per centof our salary for a period of six months. Our salary is N600,000 a month. Let us show our commitment to the welfare of Nigerians,” he had argued.
The motion received overwhelming support from members, culminating in the resolution to donate part of their earnings.
