The Nigerian House of Representatives has taken a significant step to assist vulnerable Nigerians facing economic hardship.
The lawmakers have decided to donate N704.91 million to President Bola Tinubu on December 31, 2024.
This donation represents half of the lawmakers’ salaries for six months.
The funds are specifically earmarked to help alleviate the suffering caused by the recent removal of the petrol subsidy.
The gesture was announced in response to the ongoing economic struggles many Nigerians are facing.
In a move that highlights their commitment to the nation’s welfare, the lawmakers pledged to contribute half of their salaries to support the vulnerable.
The initiative was first introduced in July 2024, after a resolution was passed in the House of Representatives.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu was the driving force behind the motion, urging his colleagues to contribute towards the welfare of the country’s poorest citizens.
“This government is doing its best, but one year is not enough to resolve the issues facing the country,” Kalu had said during the July plenary session.
Kalu called on his fellow lawmakers to sacrifice 50 per cent of their salaries for six months, noting the government’s efforts to ease the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
At the time, he also pointed out that the monthly salary of a Nigerian lawmaker is approximately N600,000.
The goal of the donation was to help mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on the most vulnerable members of society.
The subsidy removal led to a sharp rise in fuel prices, which has added to the daily struggles of Nigerians.
It has led to an increase in transportation and food prices, affecting the poorest citizens the most.
During Thursday’s plenary session, Speaker Tajudeen Abba reminded the lawmakers of their earlier commitment to this initiative.
“About five months ago, we resolved to contribute half of our salaries to support vulnerable Nigerians,” Abba said.
He confirmed that the total amount raised so far is N704,907,578.82.
This sum will be handed over to President Tinubu at the end of the month.
“The money will be used for the exclusive benefit of Nigerians in need,” Speaker Abba added.
This donation comes at a time when the Nigerian government is making efforts to tackle various challenges in the country.
The country’s citizens have been grappling with the economic consequences of the fuel subsidy removal.
The lawmakers’ donation is seen as an act of solidarity with the Nigerian people, who are facing increasing economic hardships.
This move follows an earlier resolution passed in July, which saw the House of Representatives commit to contributing half of their salaries for six months.
The decision was a reflection of the lawmakers’ understanding of the challenges many Nigerians face on a daily basis.
The funds are meant to support hunger alleviation and ease the burden on vulnerable Nigerians.
By December 31, when the funds will be handed over to President Tinubu, it will be clear just how much of a difference this donation can make.
The House of Representatives hopes the money will be used to support the most vulnerable members of society.
The Nigerian government has been under pressure to address the economic difficulties caused by the subsidy removal.
This donation is part of a broader effort to alleviate some of the pressures faced by Nigerians.
It serves as a reminder of the need for collaborative efforts between lawmakers and the executive to address the country’s economic problems.
As the House of Representatives prepares to hand over the funds, there is hope that this initiative will help bring some relief to the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
It remains to be seen how effectively the funds will be used, but the lawmakers’ gesture is a step towards addressing the current economic challenges facing the country.
