Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has accused Nigeria’s National Assembly of illegally fixing its own salaries and emoluments, calling for urgent reforms to restore accountability in governance.

Speaking in an interview, Obasanjo insisted that determining remuneration for public office holders is the constitutional responsibility of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, not lawmakers themselves, describing the current practice as improper and unacceptable.

“The National Assembly members are fixing their own salaries and emoluments, which is not supposed to be their duty but that of the National Salaries and Wages Commission,” he said.

He also raised concerns about widespread corruption in Nigeria’s refinery rehabilitation efforts, alleging that over $16 billion has been spent without meaningful results, and contrasting this with private-sector achievements in the energy sector.

“I learnt there is too much corruption around the refineries. Over $16 billion has been spent, yet nothing to show for it,” he said, expressing concern over the lack of transparency and accountability in the management of such huge public resources.

Obasanjo further highlighted ongoing insecurity across the country, including banditry and kidnappings, describing the situation as evidence of governance failure and weak institutional accountability. (The Sun)