Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, the lawmaker representing Kano South senatorial district, has disclosed that Senators in Nigeria receive ₦21 million monthly as allowances and running costs.
Sumaila, who was elected under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), made this revelation during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday morning.
Sumaila explained that while his official salary, as determined by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), is less than ₦1 million, deductions bring it down to around ₦600,000. However, he noted that recent adjustments by the Senate leadership have significantly increased the monthly earnings of Senators, now totaling ₦21 million when allowances are included.
“My monthly salary is less than ₦1 million. After deductions, it comes to a little over ₦600,000,” Sumaila stated. He added, “But with the recent increase, each Senator now receives ₦21 million monthly as running costs.”
This disclosure has reignited public debate over the earnings of Nigerian lawmakers, a topic that has been shrouded in controversy and secrecy. The issue gained renewed attention following recent criticisms by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who accused National Assembly members of inflating their salaries and allowances in violation of existing laws.
Shehu Sani, a former Senator representing Kaduna Central in the 8th Senate, previously revealed that each Senator collected a monthly running cost of ₦13.5 million, in addition to the ₦750,000 monthly salary set by C.
In response to these allegations, RMAFC Chairman Muhammed Bello Shehu clarified on Tuesday that each Senator officially receives a total monthly salary and allowances amounting to ₦1,063,860. The breakdown includes a basic salary of ₦168,866.70, motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance allowance of ₦126,650, and other allowances for personal assistants, domestic staff, entertainment, utilities, newspapers, wardrobe, house maintenance, and constituency needs.
Shehu also explained that while some allowances are paid regularly with the basic salary, others, such as furniture allowance (₦6,079,200), severance gratuity (₦6,079,200), and vehicle allowance (₦8,105,600), are non-regular and disbursed as needed. Vehicle allowances, for instance, are optional loans that must be repaid before leaving office.
He emphasized that any claims regarding additional allowances not specified in the Remuneration (Amendment) Act of 2008 should be substantiated by those making the allegations. Shehu urged Nigerians and interested parties to consult the RMAFC’s official website for accurate details of the current remuneration package for political, public, and judicial officeholders.
However, Shehu noted that the RMAFC lacks the constitutional authority to enforce compliance with the proper implementation of lawmakers’ remuneration packages. He added that, unlike in the past, only the President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives are now provided with housing, with all other public and legislative officers excluded from such benefits.
