The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has dismissed recent allegations concerning the earnings of Nigerian senators.
Former Senator Shehu Sani had claimed that senators receive a monthly running cost of ₦13.5 million in addition to a ₦750,000 salary.
Sani pointed out that while RMAFC is constitutionally responsible for setting lawmakers’ salaries and allowances, it does not have the authority to enforce adherence.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also criticized federal lawmakers for allegedly determining their own salaries, calling the practice “immoral.”
In response, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu maintained that the National Assembly only receives the compensation allocated by RMAFC.
On Tuesday, RMAFC clarified that each of the 109 senators earns a monthly salary of ₦1,063,860.
RMAFC Chairman M.B. Shehu detailed the senators’ earnings, breaking it down as follows: Basic Salary – ₦168,866.70; Motor Vehicle Fuelling 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; and Constituency Allowance – ₦422,166.66.
He also explained that senators receive regular allowances alongside their basic salary. Non-regular allowances, such as Furniture Allowance (₦6,079,200) and Severance Gratuity (₦6,079,200), are paid once per tenure, while vehicle allowance (₦8,105,600) is an optional loan to be repaid before leaving office.
Shehu also clarified that, aside from the president, vice president, senate president, and speaker of the House of Representatives, no other public or legislative officials are provided with government housing, a benefit that has been discontinued.
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