By Anthony Otaru and Kenny Folowosele, Abuja
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has revealed that each Nigerian Senator collects N1,063,360,00 as monthly salary and allowances contrary to N13.5m claims in some quarters.
This was contained in a statement yesterday by the Chairman of RMAFC, Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja.
A breakdown shows that each Senator collects a monthly salary and allowances of N1,063,8860.00 made up of basic salary- N168,366,70; motor vehicle/fuel maintenance allowances- N266,50.00, Personal Assistant N42,216.66, Domestic staff N126,650.00 Entertainment N50,660.
Others are– 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 respectively.
According to the statement, “The Commission wishes to clear the air on the controversy surrounding the salaries and allowances payable to Members of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, an issue that continues to occupy the front burner of national discourse, especially amongst Elder Statesmen, public affairs commentators, civil society and the media.”
It stressed that the clarification has become imperative given 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 a monthly running cost of N13.5m in addition to the monthly N750, 000 prescribed by the Commission.
It said that the commission wishes to state that RMAFC does not have constitutional powers to enforce compliance with proper implementation of the Remuneration package adding that the lacuna is, 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) and Severance Gratuity (N6,079,200) are paid once in every tenure, and Vehicle allowance (N8,105,600) which is optional is a loan that the beneficiary has to pay before leaving office.”
“It is important to also emphasize that except some few Political, Public Office holders such as the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, 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.
*Yearning of officers met, says AGF
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, yesterday lauded President Bola Tinubu for assenting to the Judicial Office Holders Salaries and Allowances Bill, 2024 saying by the historical assent, the yearning of judicial officers across the country for better conditions of service has been met.
The AGF said this in a statement made available to ThisNigeria I. Abuja by his Media Aide, Mr Kamarudeen Ogundele.
Dated August 13, the Minister in the statement reiterated the President’s consistency and commitment to the sustainable reform of the administration of justice.
“This is an important component of this reform. The review of judicial remuneration is a first and important step towards achieving a judicial system that works in the interest of all Nigerians.
“Going forward, my ministry in partnership with justice sector stakeholders will work to ensure that additional issues relating to the strengthening of the judiciary are identified and resolved.
“My profound appreciation to the 10th National Assembly for their concern for the plight of the judiciary and judicial officers in Nigeria as demonstrated by their speedy passage of the bill.” the statement added.
