The Senate has dismissed claims that lawmakers in the Red Chamber receive N21 million in salaries and allowances.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South) addressed these claims on Thursday in response to statements made by Senator Sumaila Kawu. Kawu, in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, had alleged that he earns a total of N21 million monthly in salary and allowances. He also mentioned that his salary, after deductions, amounts to slightly over N600,000.
Kawu explained that each Senator receives N21 million monthly for running costs due to a recent Senate increase. Adaramodu clarified that running costs are separate from lawmakers’ salaries and personal allowances, which are determined by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
RMAFC Chairman Mohammed Shehu previously disclosed that each Senator’s monthly salary and allowances total N1,063,860. Adaramodu emphasized that running costs are used for office operations and not for personal use. These funds are audited and must be accounted for with proof of expenditure.
He further stated that these costs also cover expenses for constituency office staff and other official functions. Adaramodu expressed concern over the portrayal of the Senate as wasteful, asserting that Senators are motivated by their commitment to national service rather than financial gain.
He concluded by noting that the National Assembly’s budget constitutes about 1% of the federal budget, and this allocation has remained consistent even during financial constraints.
