The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has shed light on the monthly remuneration of Nigerian Senators, following widespread public speculation and controversy. According to the commission’s chairman, Muhammed Bello Shehu, each Senator earns a total of N1,063,860 per month, which includes both salary and allowances. This clarification comes in response to recent allegations that members of the National Assembly set their own pay, a claim that has sparked significant debate across the country.
The breakdown of the Senators’ monthly earnings is detailed as follows: a basic salary of N168,866.70, alongside various allowances, including N126,650 for motor vehicle fueling and maintenance, N42,216.66 for a personal assistant, and N126,650 for domestic staff. Additional allowances include N50,660 for entertainment, N50,660 for utilities, N25,330 for newspapers and periodicals, N42,216.66 for wardrobe expenses, N8,443.33 for house maintenance, and a substantial N422,166.66 for constituency allowance. This detailed disclosure aims to address public concerns and provide transparency regarding the compensation of Nigeria’s lawmakers.
Comparing Regular and Non-Regular Allowances for Senators
RMAFC’s chairman also highlighted the distinction between regular and non-regular allowances that Senators receive. Regular allowances are included in the monthly salary, providing consistent financial support for specific needs such as vehicle maintenance, domestic staff, and personal assistants. These regular payments are designed to ensure that Senators can fulfill their official duties without financial constraints.
On the other hand, non-regular allowances are disbursed as necessary, rather than on a monthly basis. These include significant sums like N6,079,200 for furniture allowance, which is paid once per tenure, and severance gratuity of the same amount, awarded at the end of a Senator’s service. Additionally, Senators can access a vehicle allowance of N8,105,600, but this is provided as a loan that must be repaid before the end of their term. The differentiation between these types of allowances helps to explain the fluctuations in the overall compensation received by Senators throughout their tenure.
RMAFC Also Clarifies Housing Allowances for Political and Public Office Holders
The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has addressed widespread misconceptions regarding housing allowances for political and public office holders in Nigeria. In a recent statement, the chairman clarified that, contrary to popular belief, the majority of public and legislative officers are no longer provided with housing benefits. This change applies to all but a select few, including the President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, among others.
This clarification comes in response to allegations suggesting that some political and public office holders are enjoying additional allowances outside those provided in the Remuneration (Amendment) Act of 2008. The RMAFC chairman emphasized that any such claims should be substantiated by those making the allegations, as they could contribute to misinformation and public distrust. The Commission has made the details of the current remuneration package for political, public, and judicial office holders available on its official website, encouraging Nigerians and the international community to review the accurate information directly.
RMAFC Calls for Clarity and Legislative Action on Remuneration Compliance
In his statement, the RMAFC chairman urged caution in the dissemination of information related to public office holders’ allowances. He warned against the spread of misinformation and misrepresentation of facts, which could mislead citizens and members of the international community. The Commission, therefore, invited all interested parties to consult the official RMAFC website for verified details of the remuneration packages for Nigeria’s political, public, and judicial office holders.
Despite the clarity provided, the chairman acknowledged a significant gap in the Commission’s ability to enforce compliance with the official remuneration package. He pointed out that the RMAFC lacks the constitutional powers necessary to ensure proper implementation of the remuneration guidelines, a shortcoming that is currently being addressed by the National Assembly. The Commission has expressed optimism that legislative action will soon be taken to rectify this issue, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds allocated to political and public office holders.
Public Reactions and Historical Context
The RMAFC’s clarification comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of the National Assembly’s financial practices. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently accused federal lawmakers of setting their own salaries and allowances, in violation of established legal procedures. His claims have reignited a long-standing debate about the transparency and fairness of legislative compensation in Nigeria. Adding to the controversy, former Senator Shehu Sani previously disclosed that each Senator receives a monthly running cost of N13.5 million, in addition to the officially sanctioned N750,000 monthly salary.
These revelations have fueled public outcry, with many Nigerians calling for greater oversight of the National Assembly’s financial operations. In response, RMAFC’s detailed breakdown of Senators’ earnings is an attempt to provide clarity and counter the narrative of unchecked legislative greed. The commission’s role in setting and regulating the pay of political officeholders is critical in maintaining public trust and ensuring that elected officials are compensated fairly and transparently.
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