Lawmakers’ High Salaries; See Their Monthly Earnings
The issue of Nigerian lawmakers’ salaries continues to stir debate, with widespread criticism highlighting the disparity between their compensation and the nation’s socio-economic conditions.
Despite Nigeria’s economic challenges, its legislators are considered among the highest-paid globally. This disparity has fueled accusations of insensitivity and corruption, exacerbating the divide between the political elite and the general population.
Nigeria’s bicameral legislature, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives, includes 469 members—109 senators and 360 representatives—tasked with lawmaking, constituency representation, and oversight. However, public focus has increasingly shifted from their legislative roles to their substantial financial rewards.
The secrecy surrounding lawmakers’ earnings has been a point of contention. In the eighth Assembly, Senator Shehu Sani of Kaduna Central revealed that senators receive an additional N13.5 million monthly for running costs, beyond the N750,000 prescribed by the commission.
Lawmakers’ remuneration includes a variety of components: basic salary, constituency allowances, furniture allowances, hardship allowances, and other perks. The basic salary constitutes only a small portion of the total package, with allowances making up the majority. For instance, lawmakers receive a “wardrobe allowance” despite having significant funds for their duties, and the “hardship allowance” has been criticized given the lack of clear justification for such compensation.
The 2024 budget outlines that the 109 senators will receive N8.67 billion in salaries and allowances, while the 360 House members will get N24.43 billion. Specifically, the Senate President’s annual basic salary is N2.48 million, with various allowances adding up to approximately N33.29 million. The Deputy Senate President’s total is around N30.94 million.
House of Representatives members receive an annual salary of N1.99 million and allowances totaling N58.76 million. Overall, the 358 members’ salaries cost N2.84 billion, with allowances adding up to N21.04 billion.
The public has consistently criticized these earnings. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently condemned lawmakers for determining their own salaries. In response, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) clarified that senators earn N1.06 million monthly, including a basic salary and various allowances, totaling N12.72 million annually per senator. The commission has urged the public to refer to their official website for accurate remuneration details.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and House Spokesperson Rotimi Akin have stated that the official monthly salary for House members is N600,000, with individual discrepancies attributed to unique circumstances. Senator Kawu, however, reported a total monthly income of N21 million, sparking further controversy.
Lawmakers defend their salaries by arguing that they reflect the cost of governance and are justified by their roles. The National Assembly asserts that its budget constitutes less than one percent of the annual national budget. Senate Spokesman Yemi Adaramodu has refuted claims of excessive financial patronage and emphasized that constituency projects are merely suggested by senators. The Senate maintains that it adheres strictly to RMFAC allocations and challenges anyone with evidence to refute this.
The House of Representatives echoes this defense, with Deputy Spokesperson Philip Agbese highlighting the accountability of the current leadership.
