The recent scandal involving budget padding in the Nigerian Senate has sparked discussions about the salary of public officials, specifically senators. It should be noted that Senator Abdul Ningi was suspended from the upper legislative chamber last week due to his claims that lawmakers inserted fake projects into the 2024 budget, suggesting the possibility of corruption. This controversy has also brought to light allegations that specific senators received ₦500 million for constituency projects.
Although the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is responsible for determining the salaries and allowances of all public office holders in Nigeria, senators enjoy additional benefits such as constituency funds that are not officially regulated by the agency.
How much Nigerian senators officially earn that we know
| SALARY/ALLOWANCES | ANNUAL VALUE | MONTHLY VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Basic salary | ₦2,026,400 | ₦168,866.70 |
| Motor Vehicle fuelling and maintenance | ₦1,519,800 | ₦126,650 |
| Personal Assistant | ₦506,600 | ₦42,216.66 |
| Domestic staff | ₦1,519,800 | ₦126,650 |
| Entertainment | ₦607,920 | ₦50,660 |
| Utilities | ₦607,920 | ₦50,660 |
| Newspapers/Periodicals | ₦303,960 | ₦25,330 |
| Wardrobe | ₦506,600 | ₦42,216.66 |
| House Mainatenance | ₦101,320 | ₦8,443.33 |
| Constituency | ₦5,066,000 | ₦422,166.66 |
| TOTAL | ₦12,766,320 | ₦1,063,860.01 |
| OTHER ALLOWANCES | ANNUAL VALUE |
|---|---|
| Accomodation | ₦4,052,800 |
| Furniture | ₦6,079,200 |
| Duty tour allowance | ₦37,000 (per night) |
| Estacode | $950 (per night) |
| Recess | ₦202,640 |
| Severance gratuity | ₦6,079,200 (after successful completion of tenure) |
| Motor vehicle loan (optional) | ₦8,105,600 (to be repaid before expiration of tenure) |