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Honestly, I collect N21m monthly allowance —Nigerian Senator, Kawu confesses
The issue of federal lawmakers’ salaries and allowances has continued to spark controversy across Nigeria.
This follows a claim by Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila (NNPP – Kano South) that he receives N21 million in monthly allowances, in addition to a monthly salary of around N1 million.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently criticized National Assembly members, accusing them of setting inflated salaries and allowances for themselves in violation of existing laws.
Senator Shehu Sani, who served Kaduna Central during the 8th Assembly, previously revealed that each Senator receives a monthly running cost of N13.5 million, on top of the N750,000 monthly allowance stipulated by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
On Tuesday, the RMAFC disclosed that the actual total monthly salary and allowances for each Senator amounts to N1,063,860.00.
The breakdown provided by the Commission includes: a basic salary of N168,866.70; motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance allowance of N126,650; personal assistant allowance of N42,216.66; domestic staff allowance of N126,650.00; entertainment allowance of N50,660.00; utilities allowance of N50,660.00; newspapers/periodicals allowance of N25,330.00; wardrobe allowance of N42,216.66; house maintenance of N8,443.33; and constituency allowance of N422,166.66.
In an interview with BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday morning, Senator Sumaila acknowledged that while his monthly salary is fixed by the RMAFC, it is under N1 million.
He stated, “My monthly salary is less than N1 million. After deductions, the figure comes down to a little over N600,000,” adding that “Given the increase effected, in the Senate, each Senator gets N21 million every month as running cost.”
Shehu added 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 of when due.
“For instance, furniture allowance (N6,079,200 million) and severance gratuity (N6,079,200 million) are paid once in every tenure and vehicle allowance (N8,105,600 million) which is optional is a loan which the beneficiary has to pay before leaving office.
RMAFC Chairman, Muhammed Bello Shehu, clarified on Tuesday that some allowances are regular and paid alongside the basic salary, while others are non-regular and disbursed as due.
For instance, furniture and severance gratuity allowances are one-time payments per tenure, and vehicle allowances, which are optional, are given as loans that must be repaid before leaving office.
Shehu detailed that the total monthly entitlement of each Senator includes a basic salary of N168,866.70; motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance allowance of N126,650.00; personal assistant allowance of N42,216.66; domestic staff allowance of N126,650.00; entertainment allowance of N50,660.00; utilities allowance of N50,660.00; newspapers/periodicals allowance of N25,330.00; wardrobe allowance of N42,216.66; house maintenance of N8,443.33; and constituency allowance of N422,166.66.
He noted that, except for a few high-ranking officials such as the President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, other public and legislative officers are no longer provided with housing as they were previously.
The RMAFC Chairman also addressed allegations of additional allowances not covered by the Remuneration (Amendment) Act, 2008, urging that any such claims be clarified by those who make them. To prevent misinformation and ensure transparency, he encouraged interested parties to consult the RMAFC website for detailed information on the current remuneration package for political, public, and judicial office holders in Nigeria.
Shehu also expressed frustration that the RMAFC lacks constitutional authority to enforce compliance with the official remuneration package, a gap he indicated is being addressed by the National Assembly.
The Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, Manu Haruna celebrates May Day with Nigerian workers in Taraba and across Nigeria.
Senator Manu in a congratulatory letter to all Nigerian workers said:
“Your labour towards building a virile nation shall never be in vain as you celebrate May Day today in Nigeria and across the globe.
The former Taraba State Deputy Governor acknowledged the invaluable contributions of workers across various sectors and emphasized their crucial role in driving the nation’s development and progress.
He encouraged continued solidarity among workers while advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and enhanced opportunities.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of workers across the state.
This assurance was given during a meeting with the leadership of organised labour unions held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, the meeting served as a platform for open and constructive dialogue on critical labour matters.
The statement outlined key areas of intervention currently being addressed by the government.
These, he said, included the timely payment of salaries and pensions, as well as the resolution of salary arrears, with approval already granted for the payment of newly employed workers at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the judiciary.
Similarly, he said medical workers in the local government areas would receive their proper wages.
He said the minimum wage was being implemented for all local government employees across the state.
The administrator also noted that his administration was currently reviewing challenges related to the contributory pension scheme, ahead of the July 2025 implementation deadline.
Ibas disclosed that plans were underway to expand the fleet of intervention buses reintroduced to ease the transportation burden of workers.
On capacity building, the administrator announced that specialised leadership training for senior civil servants would begin within the next two weeks.
He also revealed that the government was actively considering the implementation of the N32,000 consequential pension adjustment, along with measures to clear outstanding gratuities owed to retirees.
While commending workers for their dedication to service, he called for continued collaboration with labour unions to ensure lasting industrial harmony in the state.
According to the statement, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor, expressed appreciation to the administrator for the steps already taken to promote workers’ welfare.
Agwanwor also lauded the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged the sustained support and cooperation of labour unions in achieving shared goals.
Meanwhile the NLC has directed its members in the state to observe the International Workers’ Day as a peaceful rally, which is expected to be held within the premises of the union, involving all affiliate unions, and would focus on advocating for the restoration of democratic governance in the state.
Panic has gripped residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as multiple explosions rocked the Giwa Barracks in the early hours of Thursday.
The incident reportedly began at about 12:05 am, with residents in the vicinity forced out of their homes by the sounds of loud blasts and the sight of red flares lighting up the sky around the barracks.
While the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, residents living in the area confirmed that the blast came from the armoury area
One of the residents, Rakiya Garba, confirmed the presence of men of the fire service, with sirens sounding all around the area
“We are safe, but we are in fear. The explosion is coming from inside the barracks. It is not an attack because we are not hearing gunshots.
“However, it has been a sporadic explosion,” she confirmed
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Borno state, Dr Umar Kadafur, has called for patience, saying that the explosion is a result of a fire incident that erupted at an Armoury of Giwa Barracks
He dismissed reports speculating that it was a Boko Haram attack.
He encouraged everyone to remain indoors, as security operatives are on top of the situation.
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