The Nigerian Senate has responded to claims made by Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila of Kano South, who stated in a BBC Hausa Service interview that senators earn N21 million monthly as a cumulative salary and allowances. Sumaila clarified that his monthly salary is less than N1 million, reducing to about N600,000 after deductions, but noted that senators receive N21 million each month as running costs.
In a counterstatement, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu emphasized that running costs differ from personal salaries and allowances. He clarified that these funds, which are allocated for the operation of Senate offices, are not personal income but are used for official purposes, including oversight functions and constituency office staff salaries. The funds are accounted for and retired with proof of expenditure.
Adaramodu further explained that the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) sets the salaries and allowances for elected officials, with the RMAFC chairman previously disclosing that each senator receives a total monthly salary and allowance of N1,063,860.
He also defended the Senate against accusations of wasteful spending, highlighting that the National Assembly operates with a budget of about 1% of the federal budget. He underscored that senators are accomplished professionals driven by patriotism rather than financial gain.
