Maryam AminuThe Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has addressed the ongoing controversy regarding the salaries and allowances of Members of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has addressed the ongoing controversy regarding the salaries and allowances of Members of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This clarification comes in response to recent public discourse fueled by statements from elder statesmen, public affairs commentators, civil society organizations, and the media.
The issue gained renewed attention following comments made by former Senator Shehu Sani, who claimed that each Senator receives a monthly running cost of N13.5 million, in addition to a monthly salary of N750,000 as prescribed by the Commission.
RMAFC clarified that it does not have the constitutional authority to enforce compliance with the proper implementation of the remuneration package for legislators.
However, this issue is currently being addressed by the National Assembly.
A detailed breakdown provided by the Commission shows that each Senator is entitled to a monthly salary and allowances totaling N1,063,860. This sum includes a basic salary of N168,866.70, motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance allowance of N126,650, personal assistant allowance of N42,216.66, domestic staff allowance of N126,650, entertainment allowance of N50,660, utilities allowance of N50,660, newspaper/periodicals allowance of N25,330, wardrobe allowance of N42,216.66, house maintenance allowance of N8,443.33, and a constituency allowance of N422,166.66.
RMAFC further explained that while some allowances are paid regularly with the basic salary, others are non-regular and are paid as due. Notably, the furniture allowance of N6,079,200 and severance gratuity of N6,079,200 are paid once every tenure, while the vehicle allowance of N8,105,600 is an optional loan that must be repaid before leaving office.
The Commission emphasized that, unlike in the past, most political and legislative officers, except for key figures such as the President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, are no longer provided with housing.
RMAFC also urged the public to critically assess any claims regarding allowances beyond those stipulated in the Remuneration (Amendment) Act, 2008, and advised that any such allegations should be substantiated by those making them.
To prevent the spread of misinformation, the Commission encourages Nigerians and interested parties to review the current remuneration package details for political, public, and judicial office holders, available on its official website: http://www.rmafc.gov.ng
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