Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, has revealed that he receives N21 million in allowances every month, in addition to a monthly salary of about N1 million. This disclosure comes shortly after former President Olusegun Obasanjo criticized members of the National Assembly for allegedly setting their own salaries and allowances in violation of existing laws.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday morning, Senator Sumaila stated that while his salary is officially less than N1 million, it is significantly reduced after deductions, leaving him with just over N600,000. He emphasized that the reported N21 million monthly figure includes allowances designated for operational costs.

This revelation follows a recent disclosure by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), which stated that each Senator’s total monthly salary and allowances amount to N1,063,860. The breakdown provided by RMAFC includes:

  • Basic Salary: N168,866.70
  • Motor Vehicle Fuelling and Maintenance Allowance: N126,650
  • Personal Assistant: N42,216.66
  • Domestic Staff: N126,650
  • Entertainment: N50,660
  • Utilities: N50,660
  • Newspapers/Periodicals: N25,330
  • Wardrobe Allowance: N42,216.66
  • House Maintenance: N8,443.33
  • Constituency Allowance: N422,166.66

The RMAFC clarified that some allowances, such as furniture and severance gratuities, are paid once per tenure, and vehicle allowances are provided as a loan to be repaid before leaving office.

The controversy over lawmakers’ remuneration intensified following Obasanjo’s remarks accusing the National Assembly of self-serving practices regarding their salaries and allowances. Obasanjo criticized the current system, suggesting that lawmakers are responsible for determining their own compensation, which he described as “immoral.”

In response to the criticism, Senator Sumaila defended the allowances, stating that while they may appear high, they are essential for covering the operational costs associated with a Senator’s duties. He also noted that despite the allowances, his net salary is considerably lower after deductions.

The RMAFC emphasized that while they regulate salaries and allowances, they lack the constitutional authority to enforce compliance, a gap that the National Assembly is reportedly addressing. The Commission has urged the public to access detailed remuneration information on their official website to avoid misinformation.