The Senate on Thursday, August 16, refuted the revelation made by the senator representing Kano South district, Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, that each senator earns a total of N21 million monthly in salary and allowances.
Sumaila, a senator elected on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) had during a BBC Hausa Service interview said that he earns a total of N21 million monthly in salary and allowances.
In the interview, Senator Sumaila clarified that his actual monthly salary is under N1 million, dropping to just over N600,000 after deductions.
He also mentioned that due to a recent increase, each senator receives N21 million monthly as a running cost.
However, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, representing Ekiti South and Chairman of Senate Committee on Public Affairs, emphasized that running costs are different from the salaries and personal allowances set by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for the lawmakers.
According to the RMAFC Chairman, Muhammed Bello, each senator’s monthly salary and allowances total N1,063,860.
Senator Adaramodu explained that running costs are not exclusive to the legislature as they are necessary for the operational expenses of all governmental bodies.
He stressed that these funds are accounted for and used solely for official purposes, requiring proof of genuine expenditure.
He stated, “This is not a personal allowance or salary for the legislator. These funds also support the staff of constituency offices.”
The Senate spokesperson expressed discontent with the portrayal of excessive spending in Parliament, asserting that the Nigerian Senate is composed of highly accomplished professionals motivated by a commitment to improving Nigeria’s political and socio-economic landscape.
The statement reiterated, “For the umpteenth time, the Senate must respond to the outdated claims regarding inflated salaries and allowances attributed to senators. The RMAFC has clearly outlined the monthly take-home pay for senators.”
He further noted that all government branches, including governors, ministers, and local councils, utilise running costs for their operations, maintaining that the National Assembly is no exception.
He noted that the funds mentioned by Senator Sumaila are designated for the daily operations of senators’ offices, oversight activities, and community engagements, all of which he said are budgeted annually and properly accounted for.
He added that the National Assembly accounts for about 1% of the federal budget and has consistently adhered to this limit, even amidst financial constraints.
