The Nigerian Senate has addressed recent claims by Senator Abdurrahman Sumaila, representing Kano South district, regarding the N21 million monthly pay for each senator, which includes salaries and allowances.
Sumaila, who represents the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), stated in a BBC Hausa Service interview that his total earnings amount to N21 million monthly, clarifying that his actual salary is less than N1 million, reducing to just over N600,000 after deductions.
Sumaila further explained that the significant increase in the total amount is due to a monthly running cost of N21 million allocated to each senator.
However, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, representing Ekiti South and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Affairs, countered that the running costs are separate from the official salaries and allowances determined by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
According to RMAFC Chairman Muhammed Bello, a senator’s monthly salary and allowances add up to N1,063,860.
Senator Adaramodu emphasized that running costs are necessary for the operational expenses across all branches of government, not just the legislature. These funds, he stressed, are strictly for official purposes and require proper documentation of their usage.
He clarified, “These funds are not personal allowances or salaries for legislators. They also cover the expenses related to constituency office staff.”
Adaramodu expressed frustration with the ongoing portrayal of the Senate as excessively lavish, insisting that the Nigerian Senate comprises dedicated professionals focused on enhancing the country’s political and socio-economic landscape.
The statement reiterated that the National Assembly, like all government branches—including governors, ministers, and local councils—operates with running costs for its day-to-day functions, which are budgeted and accounted for annually. Adaramodu also highlighted that the National Assembly’s budget represents only about 1% of the federal budget and has adhered to this allocation even in challenging financial conditions.
He concluded by reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to serving Nigeria with integrity, driven by a patriotic desire to improve the nation’s socio-economic framework.
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