Reps set to present ₦704m salary savings to Tinubu for vulnerable Nigerians

The House of Representatives has accrued a total of ₦704,907,578.82 through the monthly contribution of 50 per cent of lawmakers’ basic salaries. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen disclosed the amount during plenary on Thursday, December 19, confirming that the fund will be presented to President Bola Tinubu on December 31. The initiative, launched five months ago, underscores the House’s commitment to supporting vulnerable Nigerians in the face of economic challenges. In July, Pulse Nigeria reported that lawmakers in the lower chamber reached a resolution to slash their salaries by 50% over the next six months. This development was referred to the House Committee on Appropriation for Humanitarian Affairs, Finance, and Budget to ensure the resolution was implemented. “If you recall, about five months ago, we decided to contribute half of our salaries to address the critical needs of the Nigerian people. I am happy to inform you that so far, we have contributed N704,907,578.82,” Tajudeen stated. The Speaker further highlighted members’ dedication to the cause, noting that the funds represent a unified effort by the legislative body to address pressing societal needs. “On December 31, I will lead a delegation of leadership to hand over the money to the president for the exclusive use of the vulnerable Nigerians who really need it,” he added. This bold gesture by the House of Representatives aligns with broader efforts to alleviate poverty and provide direct support to the most affected citizens. The decision to involve President Tinubu ensures that the funds will be channelled effectively to target beneficiaries. The initiative has drawn praise for showcasing a collaborative approach to governance and addressing the nation’s pressing challenges.