Senator Sumaila Kawu, representing Kano South, recently disclosed that his total monthly earnings amount to over N21 million. This statement comes just 24 hours after the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) reported that each of the 109 senators in the Nigerian Senate receives N1.06 million per month in salary and allowances.
RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, clarified this in response to debates about the actual earnings of lawmakers. According to Shehu, each senator earns N12.72 million annually, resulting in a total expenditure of N1.4 billion by the Federal Government for all senators combined.
A detailed breakdown of senators’ monthly earnings shows that they receive a basic salary of N168,866.70, along with various allowances totaling N1,063,860. These allowances include funds for motor vehicle maintenance, personal assistants, domestic staff, entertainment, utilities, newspapers, wardrobe, house maintenance, and constituency services.
Shehu also emphasized that any claims about additional allowances beyond those specified in the Remuneration (Amendment) Act, 2008, should be substantiated by those making such claims. He urged the public to verify the remuneration details published on the RMAFC’s official website.
However, during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday, Senator Kawu stated that although his official monthly salary is around N1 million, his total take-home pay is actually N21 million, significantly higher than the figures provided by RMAFC. He also mentioned that deductions are sometimes made by the commission, reducing his salary to about N600,000.
The issue of lawmakers’ earnings has sparked renewed controversy, especially following comments made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Last week, Obasanjo criticized federal lawmakers for setting their own salaries and allowances, calling the practice immoral. He also accused them of receiving unauthorized funds from the executive branch.
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, had previously revealed that each senator receives a monthly running cost of N13.5 million in addition to the N750,000 stipulated by RMAFC.
In response to Obasanjo’s recent statements, the Senate issued a statement on Sunday, dismissing his claims as false.
