Senator Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South, has admitted to receiving ₦21 million monthly as a "running cost" for his office despite ongoing economic hardships nationwide.
This disclosure has sparked considerable public scrutiny and debate over the fairness and transparency of lawmakers' compensation in Nigeria.
According to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), a senator's official monthly salary and allowances total ₦1,063,860. This figure includes a basic salary of ₦168,866, with various allowances for personal and office upkeep.
However, Sumaila's statement reveals a stark contrast between these official figures and the actual take-home perks enjoyed by senators.
He clarified that his monthly pay is less than ₦1 million, dropping to around ₦600,000 after tax deductions, but he receives ₦21 million monthly for running his office.
This discrepancy has intensified public scrutiny on the remuneration of lawmakers. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had previously accused federal lawmakers of self-enrichment through inflated salaries and allowances—a claim the Senate has vehemently denied.
Sumaila's admission lends credence to Obasanjo's accusations and raises questions about the ethical practices within the legislative branch.
The massive gap between the official RMAFC figures and the actual amounts received by senators highlights the need for reforms to ensure accountability and equitable distribution of public funds.
The ongoing economic hardships faced by many Nigerians make this issue even more pressing, as it signifies the disparity between the lawmakers' compensation and the financial struggles of the general populace.
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