After facing significant pressure from the public and amidst widespread speculation in the media landscape, the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission has disclosed the monthly salaries and allowances received by Nigerian Senators.
In a terse statement released by the commission, and signed by the Chairman, M. B. Shehu, OFR, they refuted a recent claim made by former Senator Shehu Sani. He had allegedly divulged that each Senator receives a monthly running cost of N13.5 million on top of the monthly N750,000 stipulated by the Commission.
Upon closer examination of the monthly entitlements of Senators, it was revealed that each Senator receives a total of N1,063,860.00 in monthly salary and allowances. This amount comprises various components, including Basic Salary of N168,866.70, Motor Vehicle Fueling and Maintenance Allowance of N126,650.00, Personal Assistant allocation of N42,216.66, Domestic Staff provision of N126,650.00, Entertainment budget of N50,660.00, Utilities allocation of N50,660.00, Newspapers/Periodicals stipend of N25,330.00, Wardrobe allowance of N42,216.66, House Maintenance fund of N8,443.33, and Constituency Allowance of N422,166.66.
It is essential to note that while some allowances are regular and disbursed consistently with the Basic Salary, others are non-regular and paid as necessary. For example, Furniture allowance (N6,079,200.00) and Severance Gratuity (N6,079,200.00) are provided once per term, and the optional Vehicle allowance (N8,105,600.00) operates as a loan that the recipient must repay before the end of their tenure.
In light of potential misinformation and misrepresentation that could mislead both citizens and the international community, the Commission strongly encourages Nigerians and other concerned parties to access the precise details of the current Remuneration package for Political, Public, and Judicial Office holders in Nigeria.
