The Nigerian Senate has dismissed claims that lawmakers in the upper chamber of the National Assembly receive ₦21 million naira monthly as personal salary and allowances. This clarification comes after Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila of Kano South senatorial district made a statement during an interview with BBC Hausa Service, suggesting that each senator receives ₦21 million per month for allowances and running costs.
The revelation sparked heated debates and renewed criticisms about the financial perks of Nigerian lawmakers, particularly following previous allegations by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Obasanjo had accused members of the National Assembly of setting excessive salaries and allowances for themselves, going beyond what is legally allowed.
However, in a statement released on Thursday, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, clarified that the ₦21 million naira mentioned is not a personal emolument for any senator. According to Adaramodu, this amount is allocated for running costs, which are not unique to the National Assembly, as various government bodies also receive similar funds to cover their operational expenses.
He emphasized that running costs are intended for official purposes, including the maintenance of constituency offices, employment of staff, oversight duties, and community engagements. These funds are not for the personal use of any senator and are subject to strict accountability, with proper documentation required to justify the expenditure.
“The Nigerian Senate is an Assembly of accomplished and successful professionals, administrators, and captains of industries,” Adaramodu noted. He added that senators are driven by a patriotic commitment to the nation, rather than financial gain.
Adaramodu further pointed out that the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMAFC), the government agency responsible for setting salaries and allowances for political office holders, has already made public the exact monthly salaries of lawmakers. Any claims outside of these official figures, he said, should be disregarded.
He said; “For the umpteen time, the Senate is compelled to react to the obsolete allegations of a phantom salary and personal emoluments spuriously credited to Senators monthly.
“The Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission, the agency of government that fixes political officials’ salaries and allowances, has duly disclosed the monthly personal take-home of Senators.
“However, all arms of Government and their personnel, Governors, Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Directors-General, State Commissioners, even Boards and parastatals, including local government councils run their activities with running costs and the National Assembly is not an exemption.
“Thus the money referred to by Senator Kawu Sumaila is neither his salary nor personal allowance.
‘It’s for the daily running of offices by Senators and other attached statutory officials. It equally provides funds for Constituency office staff. It is also for oversight functions and community engagements.
“This funds are not static and it’s provided for in the annual budget. Such funds are retired by relevant officers after being used for official purposes and proof of genuine expenditure.
It’s not a personal allowance or salary of the legislator.
“The National Assembly receives about one per cent of the federal budget and has never exceeded this, even when the non-availability of funds is pervasive.
