By Gabriel Ewepu

ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, yesterday urged senators to stop collecting allowances, so the money could be used to address the crushing difficulties Nigerians are currently going through.

ActionAid’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, who made the call in an interview with Vanguard on Sunday, pointed out that with a significant cut in salary by members of the House of Representatives by 50 per cent, amounting to N648 million in over six months, the issues pounding Nigerians were way beyond the period of their intervention since it is not sustainable.

He said:  “The decision by the House of Representatives to cut their salaries by 50 per cent for six months to address the high cost of food and ensure food sufficiency is commendable.

“Their action signifies a recognition of the severe hardship faced by many Nigerians and reflects a willingness among lawmakers to make personal sacrifices for the greater good of the nation.

“However, we must critically assess the potential impact of this measure. The N648 million that will be contributed over six months is a substantial amount, but the scope of Nigeria’s current economic challenges requires sustained and multifaceted interventions.

“While this gesture is valuable, it must be part of a broader strategy that includes comprehensive economic reforms, investment in sustainable agricultural practices, and robust social protection programmes.

“Nigerians cannot also ignore the significant allowances that lawmakers continue to receive. Senator Shehu Sani noted that beyond their salaries, legislators receive substantial allowances amounting to N13.5 million monthly.

“In this period of hardship, it is unconscionable for senators to continue collecting these allowances without considering a cut.

“The focus should not just be on salaries but on the entire compensation package. These allowances should either be drastically cut or completely halted until the country’s situation improves and six months is just too short a period for the cut.

“Moreover, the salary cuts should not be limited to the House of Representatives but must extend across all tiers of government, including the Senate, state houses of assembly, and the entire executive branch.”