Former Senator Shehu Sani has challenged the official figures provided by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). Sani, who served as a senator for Kaduna Central during the 8th Senate, asserts that current senators are earning significantly more than the figures reported by RMAFC.
Sani, speaking on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics, claimed that while he received ₦13 million monthly during his tenure, current senators are taking home up to ₦21 million per month. This contrasts sharply with RMAFC‘s assertion that senators earn only ₦1 million each.
The RMAFC’s statement suggested that the ₦1 million figure was a typical monthly salary for senators, with a broader figure of ₦20 million being cited for their earnings over four years.
However, Sani accused the RMAFC of being less than transparent, suggesting that the true figures are being obscured.
He said, “RMAFC was just playing with figures… I think they are being economical with the truth.”
Sani’s comments have sparked a renewed debate about the compensation of Nigeria’s lawmakers. According to Sani, a statement from Senator Kawu Ismaila from Kano supported his claim, confirming that the current senators indeed earn up to ₦21 million monthly.
During his time in the Senate, Sani was known for his activist stance and commitment to transparency. He has reiterated his belief that the public has the right to know the accurate earnings of their legislators.
“I was pricked by my conscience as an activist who went to the Senate to unveil what has been made secret for over two decades,” Sani said. He believes that since legislators are paid with public funds, they should be open about their earnings.
Sani’s revelations add to the ongoing discussion about the financial remuneration of Nigeria’s lawmakers. The debate highlights broader concerns about transparency and accountability in Nigerian politics.
Public opinion is increasingly focused on ensuring that elected officials are honest about their earnings and expenditures, especially in a country where economic challenges are a significant concern for many citizens.
During a recent meeting with federal lawmakers, former President Olusegun Obasanjo raised concerns about the ethicality of lawmakers deciding their own salaries and allowances. He argued that such practices undermine public trust and called for reforms to ensure transparency and fairness.
“The real issue is not just about the system or the length of terms,” Obasanjo said. “It’s about the character of those in government. Many of them should be behind bars or even on the gallows. That’s the harsh truth.”
Responding, the Senate strongly refuted former Obasanjo’s claims that members of the National Assembly (NASS) set their own salaries. The Senate described his allegations as “uncharitable and satanic.”