The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has disclosed that each of the 109 senators in Nigeria’s National Assembly earns ₦1,063,860 in salary and allowances per month.
This clarification comes in response to recent claims made by former Senator Shehu Sani, who alleged that senators receive a monthly running cost of ₦13.5 million in addition to a ₦750,000 salary.
In a statement released by RMAFC Chairman M. B. Shehu, the commission provided a detailed breakdown of the legitimate earnings of senators, challenging the figures presented by Sani.
“In view of the recent statement made by Mr. Shehu Sani, a former Senator of the Federal Republic, who was reported to have disclosed to the public that each Senator collects a monthly running cost of ₦13.5 million in addition to the monthly ₦750,000.00 prescribed by the Commission, we find it necessary to clarify the situation,” Shehu stated.
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According to the RMAFC, the monthly earnings of a senator are composed of various allowances along with a basic salary. The breakdown includes:
Basic Salary: ₦168,866.70
Motor Vehicle Fueling and Maintenance Allowance: ₦126,650.00
Personal Assistant: ₦42,216.66
Domestic Staff: ₦126,650.00
Entertainment: ₦50,660.00
Utilities: ₦50,660.00
Newspapers/Periodicals: ₦25,330.00
Wardrobe: ₦42,216.66
House Maintenance: ₦8,443.33
Constituency Allowance: ₦422,166.66
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Shehu further explained that while some allowances are regular and paid alongside the basic salary, others are non-regular and disbursed as needed. “For instance, furniture allowance (₦6,079,200.00) and severance gratuity (₦6,079,200.00) are paid once in every tenure, and vehicle allowance (₦8,105,600.00), which is optional, is a loan that the beneficiary must repay before leaving office,” Shehu noted.
Addressing the issue of housing, Shehu clarified that apart from the President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, no other public or legislative officers are provided with housing, a policy change from past practices.
The controversy over lawmakers’ earnings was reignited following comments by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who criticized the National Assembly for allegedly fixing their own salaries and allowances. Obasanjo described the practice as “immoral” and argued that the responsibility should rest solely with the RMAFC.
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In response to Obasanjo’s remarks, the Senate issued a rebuttal, defending the current system and rejecting the former president’s claims. The RMAFC, however, acknowledged a gap in its authority, stating that it does not have the constitutional powers to enforce compliance with the remuneration package for lawmakers. “This lacuna is, however, being addressed by the National Assembly,” Shehu added.
The debate over the remuneration of lawmakers is expected to continue as both the public and government officials scrutinize the financial privileges of elected representatives.
The RMAFC’s latest disclosure aims to provide transparency and address misconceptions regarding the earnings of Nigeria’s senators.
