House Of Representatives To Donate N704.91 Million To Alleviate Economic Hardship
The House of Representatives has announced plans to present a sum of N704.91 million to President Bola Tinubu on December 31, 2024, as part of efforts to mitigate the economic impact of the petrol subsidy removal on vulnerable Nigerians.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, disclosed the development during Thursday’s plenary, noting that the amount was raised through a 50% salary cut by lawmakers over the past six months. This initiative was born out of a motion moved by Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, on July 18, 2024, aimed at addressing widespread hunger and providing relief to
“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 December 31, I will lead a delegation to hand over this money to the President for the exclusive use of vulnerable Nigerians who truly need it.”
The speaker lauded the commitment and sacrifice of his colleagues, describing their actions as a testament to their dedication to the Nigerian people. He added that the donation underscores the lawmakers’ responsiveness to the economic challenges caused by subsidy removal.
Origin of the Initiative
The decision to slash lawmakers’ salaries was introduced by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who moved a motion in July proposing the measure as a way to provide immediate relief to struggling Nigerians. At the time, Kalu acknowledged the growing dissatisfaction among citizens due to economic difficulties and emphasized the need for urgent intervention.
“This government is doing its best, but one year is not enough to address the challenges of this country,” Kalu remarked. “I want to plead with our colleagues to sacrifice 50% of our salary for a period of six months. Our salary is N600,000 a month. I want to plead that we let go of 50% of our salary for this period.”
Significance of the Contribution
The funds will be directed exclusively to programs aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians. It is expected to alleviate some of the economic hardships faced by many, including rising food prices and transportation costs linked to subsidy removal.
The initiative is also seen as a move to demonstrate solidarity and leadership by example, as calls for improved governance and economic relief measures continue to grow.
The planned handover on December 31, 2024, will symbolize the House’s commitment to easing the burden on Nigerians and supporting the federal government’s broader efforts to stabilize the economy.
