December 19, (THEWILL) – In a bid to alleviate the economic hardship affecting vulnerable Nigerians, the House of Representatives has kept its promise to donate half of members’ salaries for six months, amassing a total contribution of N704.91 million.
The decision, initially moved as a motion by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu on July 18, called on lawmakers to sacrifice 50% of their monthly earnings to address the growing hunger and hardship across the nation.
Speaking during plenary on Thursday, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced the successful execution of the initiative, noting that the funds would be officially handed over to President Bola Tinubu at the end of the year.
“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,” Abbas said.
The Speaker further emphasized the importance of the gesture, describing it as a testament to the lawmakers’ commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people.
“On December 31, I will lead a delegation of the House leadership to present the total contribution to the President for the exclusive benefit of vulnerable Nigerians. The contributions you made highlight the steadfastness and dedication of members to addressing the critical needs of Nigerians,” Abbas added.
The motion to slash lawmakers’ salaries was proposed by Deputy Speaker Kalu, who urged his colleagues to take action in response to the growing economic difficulties faced by millions of Nigerians.
“Our salary is N600,000 a month. I want to plead that we let go of 50 per cent of our salary for a period of six months,” Kalu appealed during the July 18 plenary.
The initiative gained unanimous support among the lawmakers, who resolved to pool their resources as a way of giving back to the populace during these challenging times.
The N704 million donation is expected to provide critical relief to the most vulnerable Nigerians, serving as a symbolic step by the legislative arm in addressing the country’s pressing socio-economic challenges.
The presentation of the fund to President Tinubu is slated for December 31, with lawmakers urging that the money be deployed exclusively for the benefit of Nigeria’s most disadvantaged citizens.
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