ABUJA: On December 31, 2024, the House of Representatives to Present N704.91 Million to President Tinubu for Vulnerable Nigerians to Present N704.91 Million to President Tinubu for Vulnerable Nigerians is set to present a significant sum of N704.91 million to President Bola Tinubu, aimed at alleviating the economic hardships faced by vulnerable Nigerians due to the removal of the petrol subsidy. This initiative is part of the House’s ongoing efforts to support ordinary citizens struggling with the ripple effects of the subsidy removal.
This resolution follows a decision made earlier in the year, specifically on July 18, 2024, when the House members unanimously agreed to slash 50 percent of their monthly salaries for a period of six months. The move was in response to the mounting challenges faced by Nigerians, who have been grappling with rising living costs, inflation, and other socio-economic issues after the subsidy was removed. The motion to donate half of their salaries was introduced by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu during a plenary session and was met with full support from the House.
When moving the motion, Kalu made a heartfelt appeal to his colleagues, emphasizing the difficult but necessary nature of the decision. He stated, the government is doing its best, but one year is not enough to resolve all of Nigeria’s complex challenges.
In this moment of hardship, I urge my colleagues to make a sacrifice for the greater good of our nation. I propose that we contribute 50 percent of our salaries for a period of six months.” Kalu’s call for sacrifice underscored the need for collective action to ease the burden on the Nigerian people during this period of economic transition.
As part of this resolution, each House member, who earns N600,000 a month, agreed to forgo half of their salary for six months. This bold gesture was intended to demonstrate solidarity with the Nigerian populace and contribute to addressing immediate humanitarian needs.
On Thursday, Speaker Tajudeen Abba took the floor during a plenary session to provide an update on the House’s contributions. He reminded his colleagues of the commitment made five months ago and proudly announced, as you will recall, about five months ago, we made the collective decision to contribute half of our salaries to help meet the critical needs of the Nigerian people. I am pleased to inform you that, as of now, we have raised a total of N704,907,578.82.” Abba expressed gratitude for the unwavering dedication shown by members of the House in supporting this initiative.
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The Speaker went on to announce that a delegation of House leadership, led by himself, will officially hand over the funds to President Tinubu on December 31, 2024. On that day, I will personally lead a delegation of House leaders to present this money to the President, ensuring that it is used exclusively for the benefit of the most vulnerable Nigerians who are suffering the most from the ongoing economic challenges, he added. This gesture highlights the continued commitment of the House of Representatives to playing an active role in improving the welfare of the Nigerian people.
In his address, Speaker Abba also acknowledged the spirit of selflessness and dedication demonstrated by the lawmakers, he noted. The contributions made by each member of this House show our collective determination and sense of duty to address the urgent needs of Nigerians, particularly those who are most affected by the economic situation. The funds will be specifically allocated to vulnerable groups, ensuring they receive targeted relief amid the ongoing economic hardships.
This historic decision by the House of Representatives not only serves as an act of solidarity with the Nigerian people but also sets a strong example of leadership and sacrifice. While the government continues its efforts to address the economic challenges facing the country, this contribution by lawmakers is a testament to their commitment to providing tangible assistance to those who need it most.
The handover of the funds to President Tinubu will mark a milestone in the House’s humanitarian efforts, and it is expected to go a long way in providing some relief to Nigerians grappling with the ripple effects of the petrol subsidy removal. It also signals the ongoing role that government institutions, particularly the legislature, can play in alleviating the difficulties of citizens during times of crisis.
