By Soji Bamidele.

Nigeria’s lawmakers have long been criticized for lack of transparency in their salaries and benefits. The country’s Constitution provides for their remuneration, but the details are not publicly disclosed. This has led to rumors and speculation, with some estimates suggesting exorbitant benefits.

As public servants, lawmakers should be transparent about their compensation, yet they have managed to keep their salaries under wraps for far too long.The current state of affairs is nothing short of alarming. Nigeria’s Constitution through Salaries and Wages Commission provides for the remuneration of lawmakers, but the details are shrouded in mystery. Rumors and speculation abound, with some estimates suggesting that lawmakers receive exorbitant benefits. This secrecy has created an environment conducive to corruption and mismanagement of public funds.

Forgetting that transparency is essential in governance, promoting accountability, good governance, and trust between citizens and their representatives. By disclosing their compensation, lawmakers can demonstrate their commitment to transparency and accountability. However, most Nigerian lawmakers seem hesitant to open up, fearing public backlash, misconceptions about privacy, and a culture of secrecy that has become entrenched in the country’s history.

A closer look at the disclosed salaries of Nigerian lawmakers by some the former and current members ,the likes of Sen. Shehu Sani represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate from 2015 to 2019.a member of 8th Assembly.The former Nigerian Senator, revealed that senators in the 8th assembly received a monthly basic salary of 750,000 naira, plus allowances of 13.5 million naira per month . This totals a monthly package of 14.25 million naira and an annual salary of 171 million naira . During his tenure, Sani was known for his outspoken criticism of corruption and his advocacy for social justice and human rights. He also chaired the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) and Senator Sumaila Kawu, Senator Sumaila Kawu represents Kano North Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate. has revealed that he earns a total of N21 million monthly as a senator . This includes his salary and allowances, as well as a running cost of N21 million every month for the smooth operation of his office He noted that his monthly salary is less than N1 million, but after deductions, it comes down to a little over N600,000.

Kawu Sumaila is a Nigerian politician and businessman born on March 3, 1968, in Sumaila Village, Kano State. He has had a distinguished career in public service, starting as a Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari and later serving as a Member of the House of Representatives, representing Sumaila/Takai Federal Constituency. Sumaila has held various leadership positions, including Deputy Minority Leader of the 6th and 7th Houses of Representatives. He has been a member of several political parties, including the All Progressive Congress (APC) and currently, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). With a strong educational background, Sumaila has received honors and awards, including the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR) in 2012. He continues to be a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, dedicated to community development and public service.

Although the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, quickly refuted Kawu’s claims, stating that the funds referred to are not personal monetary entitlements. A closer examination of the the lawmakers take home reveals a striking contrast between the modest disclosed salaries and the substantial additional benefits. The staggering figure disclosed by Senator Sumaila Kawu far exceeds the so disclosed salaries, raising questions about the true extent of lawmakers’ compensation,like the
additional allowances for accommodation, vehicle, furniture, and other benefits add significant value to their overall compensation, further disconnecting the disclosed salary from reality. Special project funds, which may not be subject to stringent oversight, are also allocated in substantial amounts, up to N50 million per year. The value of foreign trips, training, and other benefits is not transparent, contributing to the discrepancy between disclosed salaries and actual compensation.These discrepancies highlight the need for more transparent disclosure of lawmakers’ compensation, including all their monetary entitlements. The significant differences between disclosed salaries and other monetary entitlements may perpetuate inequality and unfairness in the distribution of public funds. Moreover, the potential for mismanagement and misuse of public funds, particularly in special project allocations, undermines trust in the government and the legislative branch.
Since enthronement of democracy since 1999,
All successive Nigeria’s president had issues bothering on corruption and transparency,from Obasanjo to the incumbent president Tinubu Nigeria’s lawmakers have long been shrouded in secrecy, sparking widespread outrage and demands for accountability. Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari have all clashed with the National Assembly at various points in their presidencies.

Obasanjo during his tenure as the country’ s president was particularly scathing in his criticism, labeling lawmakers “junketeers” and accusing them of corruption and self-serving interests. His verbal attacks questioned the integrity of the federal lawmakers, posing the rhetorical question: “Lawmakers or Lawbreakers? Even while out office he recently lampooned the Federal lawmakers during some federal lawmakers visits to Olusegun Obasanjo, the former President of Nigeria, leveled a damning allegation against the country’s lawmakers, accusing them of secretly fixing their own salaries and allowances. According to Obasanjo, this practice is a corrupt and self-serving tactic that perpetuates greed and undermines good governance.Obasanjo’s criticism is scathing, as he asserts that lawmakers take advantage of their position to award themselves exorbitant salaries and allowances, often in the millions of naira. This, he argues, is a breach of trust and a blatant example of self-enrichment. The lack of transparency in these dealings only adds to the outrage, as the public is left in the dark about the true extent of lawmakers’ remuneration.The former President’s allegations have sparked a heated debate in Nigeria, with some lawmakers denying the claims and others calling for reforms to address the issue. However, Obasanjo’s words strike at the heart of a deeper problem – the culture of corruption and entitlement that has come to define Nigeria’s political class.As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment, the controversy surrounding lawmakers’ salaries serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability and transparency in government. Only through bold reforms and a commitment to good governance can Nigeria break free from the cycle of corruption and self-serving politics that has held it back for so long.

In contrast, Yar’Adua adopted a conciliatory approach, emphasizing collaboration and dialogue to build bridges with lawmakers. He criticized lawmakers for prioritizing personal interests over national welfare and called for greater transparency and accountability.

Goodluck Jonathan’s relationship with the National Assembly was complex and often tumultuous. He accused lawmakers of prioritizing personal interests and engaging in corrupt practices, but sought to build alliances and resolve conflicts through dialogue.

Muhammadu Buhari publicly expressed deep disappointment and frustration with the National Assembly led by Bukola Saraki, likening lawmakers to a “herd of goats” and labeling them “selfish” and “obstructionist.” His criticisms led to tensions between the executive and legislative branches.

Now, with the election of President Bola Tinubu , the relationship between the presidency and the National Assembly may undergo a significant shift. As a former Senator and Governor, Tinubu’s experience and leadership style may lead to a more collaborative and conciliatory approach. However, his push for reforms and accountability may still face resistance from some opposition in the legislative arm. Tinubu’s ability to build relationships and negotiate will be crucial in navigating the complexities of the National Assembly

The 2024 budget allocated a staggering N344.85 billion to the National Assembly, a figure that surpasses the total expenditures
the total expenditures of 20 individual states for the same year in nigeria. This significant allocation has sparked intense debate and raised concerns about the National Assembly’s priorities and perceived extravagance.
At a time when many states are struggling to meet their financial obligations, the National Assembly’s hefty budget has been seen as a luxury that the country cannot afford. Critics argue that the allocation is disproportionate and fails to reflect the country’s pressing needs, such as infrastructure development, healthcare, and education.
Furthermore, the National Assembly’s budget has been criticized for lacking transparency and accountability. The allocation is often shrouded in secrecy, making it difficult for citizens to track how their tax dollars are being spent. This lack of transparency has led to accusations of mismanagement and corruption, further eroding public trust in the institution.

The National Assembly’s budget is also notable for its emphasis on recurrent expenditure, with a significant portion allocated to staff salaries, allowances, and other operational costs. While these expenses are necessary, they do little to address the country’s pressing development needs.
In contrast, many states are struggling to allocate sufficient funds for critical infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and public buildings. The disparity between the National Assembly’s budget and those of the states highlights the need for a more equitable distribution of resources.

Ultimately, the 2024 budget allocation to the National Assembly serves as a stark reminder of the country’s misplaced priorities. As Nigeria continues to grapple with pressing development challenges, it is imperative that the National Assembly re-examines its budget and prioritizes the needs of the nation over its own interests. Transparency, accountability, and a commitment to good governance must be the hallmarks of the National Assembly’s budgeting process. Only then can the country begin to address its pressing needs and achieve sustainable development.
This may have led notable Nigerians to be critical of the insesibility of the economic reality in the country according to Femi Falana, a respected human rights lawyer and champion of transparency, has been a vocal critic of the secrecy surrounding lawmakers’ salaries in Nigeria. He has consistently argued that this secrecy is unconstitutional and a breach of the public’s right to know.

He has made several statements on the issue, including: “The secrecy surrounding the salaries of lawmakers is unconstitutional and a breach of the public’s right to know” He has also stated, “Lawmakers who are paid by the public purse have no right to hide their salaries from the same public” Additionally, Falana has asserted, “The National Assembly has no authority to pay itself secret salaries. The salaries of lawmakers must be disclosed to the public”. He has also noted, “The secrecy surrounding lawmakers’ salaries is a major obstacle to good governance and accountability in Nigeria

Falana’s advocacy has gone beyond words. He has filed several Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to compel the National Assembly to disclose lawmakers’ salaries. In 2019, he took the National Assembly to court for refusing to disclose the salaries of lawmakers.

Falana’s arguments are rooted in three key principles. Firstly, he argues that the public has a constitutional right to know how their representatives are being compensated. Secondly, he believes that secrecy surrounding lawmakers’ salaries undermines transparency and accountability in governance. Thirdly, Falana asserts that lawmakers’ salaries are paid from the public purse, and therefore, the public has a right to know how their funds are being used.

Through his tireless advocacy, Falana has contributed significantly to the ongoing debate on transparency in lawmakers’ salaries in Nigeria. His efforts have shed light on the need for greater transparency and accountability in governance, and have inspired others to join the fight for a more open and responsive government.
However,Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), highlighted on their website.that the commission lacks the constitutional authority to enforce compliance with the proper implementation of lawmakers’ remuneration packages. However, the National Assembly is addressing this limitation.

A closer examination of a senator’s monthly entitlement reveals a comprehensive package. The basic salary stands at N168,866.70, supplemented by various allowances, including motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance (N126,650.00), personal assistant (N42,216.66), domestic staff (N126,650.00), entertainment (N50,660.00), utilities (N50,660.00), newspapers and periodicals (N25,330.00), wardrobe (N42,216.66), house maintenance (N8,443.33), and constituency allowance (N422,166.66). The total monthly entitlement amounts to N1,063,860.00.

It is essential to note that some allowances are regular, while others are non-regular. For instance, furniture allowance (N6,079,200.00) and severance gratuity (N6,079,200.00) are paid once per tenure, whereas vehicle allowance (N8,105,600.00) is optional and a loan that must be repaid before leaving office.

RMAFC also clarified that public and legislative officers no longer receive housing benefits, except for a few high-ranking officials. To combat misinformation and misrepresentation, the commission invites Nigerians and interested parties to access the actual details of the remuneration package for political, public, and judicial office holders .
BASIC DIFFERENCE BETWEEN APPROVED LAWMAKERS SALARIES AND THEIR RUNNING COST

The compensation package of lawmakers consists of two distinct components: their basic salary and running costs. Their salary is the fixed monthly amount paid for their service, in this case, N168,866.70 per month for a senator. This salary is intended to cover their personal expenses and living costs.

On the other hand, running costs, also known as allowances, are additional funds provided to lawmakers to cover expenses related to their official duties. These allowances are meant to reimburse lawmakers for costs incurred while performing their legislative responsibilities, such as motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance, personal assistant, domestic staff, entertainment, utilities, newspapers and periodicals, wardrobe, house maintenance, and constituency allowance.

While the basic salary is a fixed amount, running costs can vary depending on the lawmaker’s specific needs and responsibilities. In many cases, the running costs exceed the basic salary, highlighting the significance of these additional funds in supporting lawmakers’ official activities. Together, the salary and running costs comprise the comprehensive compensation package for lawmakers.

The compensation package of lawmakers consists of two distinct components: their basic salary and running costs. Their salary is the fixed monthly amount paid for their service, in this case, N168,866.70 per month for a senator. This salary is intended to cover their personal expenses and living costs.

On the other hand, running costs, also known as allowances, are additional funds provided to lawmakers to cover expenses related to their official duties. These allowances are meant to reimburse lawmakers for costs incurred while performing their legislative responsibilities, such as motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance, personal assistant, domestic staff, entertainment, utilities, newspapers and periodicals, wardrobe, house maintenance, and constituency allowance.

While the basic salary is a fixed amount, running costs can vary depending on the lawmaker’s specific needs and responsibilities. In many cases, the running costs exceed the basic salary, highlighting the significance of these additional funds in supporting lawmakers’ official activities. Together, the salary and running costs comprise the comprehensive compensation package for lawmakers.

Beyond their disclosed salaries, Nigerian lawmakers enjoy a wide range of monetary benefits that substantially enhance their overall compensation. A comprehensive breakdown reveals a complex package of allowances and funds that provide lawmakers with a high level of financial security and comfort.

Lawmakers receive a monthly running cost allowance of N15 million covering office expenses, staff, and operational costs. Additionally, they receive an annual accommodation allowance of N5 million for housing and maintenance, and a vehicle allowance of N10 million (approximately for car purchases or rentals.

Other benefits include a furniture allowance of N5 million per year for office furniture and equipment, and access to special project funds totaling up to N50 million per year for constituency projects. Lawmakers are also reimbursed for international travel, accommodation, and subsistence expenses, with no clear caps on these expenses.

Further benefits include funding for training and capacity building, such as workshops and conferences, as well as a security allowance for personal security measures. An entertainment allowance is also provided for social events and hospitality. Upon retirement, lawmakers are entitled to generous pension schemes, including lifetime allowances and other post-retirement benefits.

The total annual benefit per lawmaker is estimated to be several millions of naira, excluding discretionary funds and other benefits. While these benefits provide lawmakers with financial security and comfort, it is crucial to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with the public interest.

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