RMAFC clarifies legislators’ pay
…says each senator earns N1,063,360,00 as salary, allowance
The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has said that each Nigerian senator earns N1,063,360,00 as monthly salary and allowances.
The Commission disclosed this to debunk claims in some quarters that they earn N13.5 million.
This was contained in a statement by the Chairman, Mohammed Bello Shehu in Abuja on Tuesday.
A breakdown of the amount shows that each senator’s basic salary is N168,366,70 motor vehicle/ fuel maintenance allowances N266,50.00, Personal Assistant N42,216.66, domestic staff N126,650.00 Entertainment N50,660.00.
Others: Utilities N50,660.00, Newspapers/ Periodicals N25,330.00, Wardrobe N42,216,66.00, House maintenance N8,443,.00 and Constituency Allowance N422,166.66.
“The Commission wishes to clear the air on the controversy surrounding the salaries and allowances payable to members of the Aational Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, an issue that continues to occupy the front burner of national discourse especially among elder statesmen, public affairs commentators, civil society and the media,” the statement said.
The statement added that the clarification had become imperative in view of the recent statement made by Mr. Shehu Sani, a former Senator of the Federal Republic who was reported to have disclosed to the public that each Senator collects monthly running cost of N13.5 M in addition to the monthly N750, 000.00 prescribed by the Commission.
It said that the commission wished to state that RMAFC did not have constitutional powers to enforce compliance with proper implementation of the remuneration package.
It added that the lacuna was, however, being addressed by the National Assembly.
“It is instructive to note that some allowances are regular while others are non-regular.
“” Regular allowances are paid regularly with basic salary while Non-Regular allowances are paid as at when due. For instance, furniture allowance (N6,079,200:00) and severance gratuity (N6,079,200:00) are paid once in every tenure and vehicle allowance (N8,105,600:00) which is optional is a loan which the beneficiary has to pay before leaving office.
“”It is important to also emphasize that with the exception of some few political, public office holders such as the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representative etc., all public and legislative officers are no longer provided with housing as was the case in the past.
“” The Commission also wishes to use this opportunity to state that any allegation regarding other allowance(s) being enjoyed by any political, public office holder outside those provided in the Remuneration (Amendment) Act, 2008 should be explained by the person who made the allegation.
It explained that to avoid misinformation and misrepresentation of facts capable of misleading citizens and members of the International Community, the Commission considers it most appropriate and necessary to request Nigerians and any other interested party to avail themselves of the opportunity to access the actual details of the present remuneration package for political, public and judicial office holders in Nigeria published on its website: www.rmafc.gov.ng.
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