The Nigerian Senate has recently dismissed accusations that it determines its own salary, with lawmakers also denying allegations that they receive special financial packages from the presidency. These claims were made following comments by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who described it as immoral for members of the National Assembly to determine their own salaries and allowances. This statement reignited a long-standing debate about the actual earnings of Nigerian lawmakers and the transparency surrounding their compensation.
The Structure of the Nigerian Legislature
The Nigerian legislature, the second arm of the government, is bicameral, consisting of the Senate (Red Chamber) and the House of Representatives (Green Chamber). The Senate comprises 109 Senators, each representing three Senatorial Districts of the 36 states, while the House of Representatives consists of 360 Federal Representatives, each representing one federal constituency in Nigeria.
Given the significant role these lawmakers play in governance, questions about their salaries and allowances are not only relevant but also critical to understanding the broader issues of accountability and transparency in Nigerian politics.
Obasanjo’s Allegations
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been vocal about his concerns regarding the financial practices of the National Assembly. During a meeting with members of the House of Representatives in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo claimed that lawmakers were responsible for determining their own salaries and allowances, a task that constitutionally falls under the jurisdiction of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC).
Obasanjo emphasized that it is unethical for lawmakers to set their own compensation, likening it to a conflict of interest that undermines the integrity of public office. He criticized the lawmakers for allocating themselves various allowances, including newspaper and clothing allowances, which he argued are unjustified.
“You are not supposed to fix your salaries or your allowances; it is the RMFAC that should do that, but you decide what you pay yourselves, the allowances you give yourselves — newspaper allowances, clothing allowances — you give yourself all sorts of things. With due respect, you know it is not right. It is immoral, and then you are doing it,” Obasanjo said.
This is not the first time Obasanjo has raised this issue. In 2023, during a public lecture to mark the 60th anniversary of legal luminary Afe Babalola’s Call to Bar, Obasanjo made similar remarks, accusing lawmakers of violating the constitution by setting their own salaries.
Senate’s Response
In response to these allegations, the Senate, through its spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, denied the claims, asserting that the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) is responsible for determining their salaries. Adaramodu stated that the Senate only receives the salary allocated by RMFAC in strict accordance with constitutional provisions.
He further clarified that the Senate does not receive any financial patronage from the presidency and dismissed any suggestion that the National Assembly fixes its own salaries as “uncharitable and satanic.” Adaramodu challenged anyone with credible evidence to the contrary to present it.
The Senate also addressed the issue of constituency projects, explaining that these projects are small-scale initiatives suggested by senators and nominated following practices common in other democracies worldwide. The responsibility for awarding contracts for constituency projects lies with the executive arm of the government, through its various ministries. The funds allocated for these projects vary depending on the number of constituencies in each state and the intention to ensure equitable distribution of federal resources across Nigeria.
How Much Do Nigerian Lawmakers Truly Earn?
The exact amount Nigerian lawmakers earn has been a subject of intense speculation and debate. While no official government body or organization has recently disclosed the exact figures, there have been some insights from lawmakers themselves.
In 2018, former Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central, revealed that he and his colleagues received N1.5 million monthly as running costs, apart from their salaries. More recently, on July 18, 2024, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, representing Bende Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, hinted that their salary is around N500,000. Kalu made this disclosure while advocating for a 50% salary cut among his colleagues to support Nigerians amid the tough economic conditions.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, stated that lawmakers’ actual salary is N600,000 (approximately $375). However, these figures have not been independently verified, and the actual amount could vary depending on allowances and other perks associated with the position.
A look at the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) website reveals that the last time the salaries and allowances of public officeholders, including lawmakers, were published was for the 2007-2009 period. According to RMFAC, the salaries and basic allowances of Senators and other lawmakers ranged from N1 million to N700,000 monthly during that period.
The Need for Transparency
The ongoing debate about the earnings of Nigerian lawmakers highlights a broader issue of transparency in governance. The lack of clear and updated information about the salaries and allowances of lawmakers creates room for speculation and mistrust among the public. It also raises questions about the accountability of public officeholders and the extent to which they are willing to subject themselves to the same standards of scrutiny they impose on others.
For a democracy to function effectively, transparency and accountability must be upheld at all levels of government. Public officeholders, including lawmakers, should be open about their earnings and the basis on which these figures are determined. This will not only build public trust but also ensure that the principles of fairness and equity are upheld in the administration of public resources.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the salaries and allowances of Nigerian lawmakers is not new, but it remains a critical issue that needs to be addressed. Former President Obasanjo’s allegations have once again brought this issue to the forefront, sparking a renewed debate about the role of the National Assembly in determining its own compensation.
While the Senate has denied any wrongdoing, the need for greater transparency in the earnings of lawmakers cannot be overstated. As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, it is imperative that public officeholders lead by example, ensuring that their compensation is fair, justifiable, and in line with the country’s economic realities.
Only through transparency and accountability can Nigeria’s democracy be strengthened, and the trust of the people in their elected representatives restored.
