The Senate has denied allegations that its members receive N21 million in salaries and allowances.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South) issued this clarification on Thursday in response to remarks made by Senator Sumaila Kawu.
In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Hausa Service on Wednesday, Kawu claimed that his total monthly salary and allowances amounted to N21 million.
He further detailed that his actual monthly salary is less than N1 million, which, after deductions, reduces to just over N600,000.
Read Also: Shehu Sani Reveals What He Earned Monthly As Senator
He also noted that the N21 million figure includes running costs allocated to each Senator following recent increases.
In a statement personally signed by him, Adaramodu clarified that running costs are separate from the salary and personal allowances of lawmakers, which are determined by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
Earlier, RMAFC Chairman Mohammed Shehu disclosed that each Senator’s monthly salary and allowances amount to N1,063,860.
Adaramodu explained that running costs, which are not exclusive to the legislature, are allocated for the operation of Senators’ offices.
He emphasized that these funds must be accounted for and are only used for official purposes, with proof of genuine expenditure required for their retirement.
Read Also: BREAKING: NJC Recommends 27 Candidates For Appointment As Judges Of States Courts (FULL LIST)
He added, “These funds are not personal allowances or salaries of legislators” and also cover expenses for constituency office staff.
Expressing concern over the narrative of wasteful spending by parliament, Adaramodu stated, “The Nigerian Senate is an Assembly of accomplished and successful professionals, administrators, and captains of industry, who are not driven by these often touted egregious pecuniary bits, but rather by their patriotic zeal in the nation’s quest to breathe life into Nigeria’s political and socio-economic dry bones.
“For the umpteenth time, the Senate is compelled to respond to obsolete allegations of phantom salaries and personal emoluments spuriously credited to Senators monthly.
“The Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission, the agency of government that fixes political officials’ salaries and allowances, has duly disclosed the monthly personal take-home of Senators.”
He added, “However, all arms of government and their personnel—governors, ministers, permanent secretaries, Directors-General, state commissioners, and even boards and parastatals, including local government councils—run their activities with running costs, and the National Assembly is no exception.
“The funds referred to by Senator Kawu Sumaila are neither his salary nor personal allowance.”
Adaramodu further explained, “These funds are allocated for the daily operation of Senators’ offices and other statutory officials. They also provide for constituency office staff, oversight functions, and community engagements.
“These funds are not static; they are provided for in the annual budget and must be retired with proof of genuine expenditure. They are not personal allowances or salaries for legislators.”
He concluded, “The National Assembly receives about 1% of the federal budget and has never exceeded this, even in times of widespread financial constraints. The Nigerian Senate is an Assembly of accomplished professionals, administrators, and industry leaders, who are motivated by patriotic zeal, not by financial gain.”
