The scandal involving budget padding in the Nigerian Senate opens debates regarding how much public officials earn, particularly senators.
It is worth noting that Senator Abdul Ningi was suspended by the upper legislative chamber last week following his claims that lawmakers included fake projects in the 2024 budget, hinting at potential embezzlement of funds.
This scandal has also brought to light allegations that certain 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 the agency does not officially regulate.
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) |