The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has clarified the ongoing debate surrounding the salaries and allowances of Members of the National Assembly.
The issue has become a focal point of national discourse, drawing attention from elder statesmen, public affairs commentators, civil society groups, and the media.
The clarification comes in response to recent statements made by Mr. Shehu Sani, a former Senator, who reportedly disclosed that each Senator collects a monthly running cost of N13.5 million in addition to the official monthly salary of N750,000 prescribed by the Commission.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, the Chairman of RMAFC, M. B. Shehu, sought to address these concerns and provide clarity on the matter. He emphasised that the RMAFC does not possess the constitutional authority to enforce compliance with the remuneration packages it prescribes, a gap in the system that the National Assembly is currently addressing.
According to the RMAFC, each Senator is entitled to a monthly salary and allowances totaling N1,063,860. This sum is broken down as follows:
- Basic Salary: N168,866.70
- Motor Vehicle Fuelling and Maintenance Allowance: N126,650.00
- Personal Assistant: N42,216.66
- Domestic Staff: N126,650.00
- Entertainment: N50,660.00
- Utilities: N50,660.00
- Newspapers/Periodicals: N25,330.00
- Wardrobe: N42,216.66
- House Maintenance: N8,443.33
- Constituency Allowance: N422,166.66
Shehu pointed out that while some of these allowances are regular and paid alongside the basic salary, others are non-regular and are disbursed as needed.
For instance, furniture allowance (N6,079,200) and severance gratuity (N6,079,200) are paid once during a Senator’s tenure. Additionally, vehicle allowance (N8,105,600) is an optional benefit, provided as a loan that must be repaid before the Senator leaves office.
The RMAFC Chairman also clarified misconceptions regarding housing provisions for political officeholders. He noted that, with the exception of a few top-ranking officials such as the President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, all other public and legislative officers no longer receive housing allowances, a departure from previous practices.
Shehu emphasized that any claims about additional allowances or benefits enjoyed by political or public officeholders, beyond those outlined in the Remuneration (Amendment) Act of 2008, should be substantiated by the individuals making such allegations.
The RMAFC’s statement also urged Nigerians and other interested parties to seek accurate information directly from the Commission’s official channels. To avoid misinformation and misrepresentation of facts, the Commission advised citizens and members of the international community to access the details of the current remuneration packages for political, public, and judicial officeholders in Nigeria through its website: rmafc.gov.ng.
The RMAFC is constitutionally mandated to determine the appropriate remuneration for political, public, and judicial officeholders in Nigeria. The Commission’s decisions are intended to reflect the economic conditions of the country and ensure fairness in compensation for those serving in public office.
However, the lack of enforcement power has led to discrepancies between the prescribed remuneration packages and what some officeholders reportedly receive. This gap has fueled public debate and calls for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
