Shocking truth: Nigerian lawmakers earn way more than they admit

Nigerian lawmakers earn significantly more than the N600,000 monthly salary they claimed during a recent plenary session, raising questions about the sincerity of their pledge to donate half of their salaries to combat hunger in Nigeria.

During a July 18 plenary session, the House of Representatives announced that its members would donate half of their monthly salaries for six months to support the Federal Government’s efforts to address hunger. Lawmakers claimed their monthly earnings were N600,000 and pledged to contribute N300,000 each.

However, an investigation by FIJ has revealed that the actual earnings of lawmakers are higher.

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The Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) sets their salaries at N794,086 per month.

Lawmakers salaries, as listed on the RMFAC website

Additionally, Uzokwe Ifeanyi, representing Nnewi South Federal Constituency, disclosed in a Channels Television interview that his July salary notification showed a monthly salary of N936,979.53.

Based on Ifeanyi’s disclosed salary, if lawmakers donate 50% of their actual monthly earnings, they would contribute about N168.7 million monthly, totalling approximately N1 billion over six months. This is significantly higher than the N126 million per month based on the quoted N600,000 salary.

Beyond their basic salaries, lawmakers receive substantial additional sums. RMFAC guidelines entitle each lawmaker to an accommodation allowance equivalent to 200% of their basic salary and a furniture allowance of 300%.

They also receive severance packages, medical allowances, recess allowances, and duty tour allowances, collectively amounting to an extra N5.9 million on a “to-be-processed” basis.

Lawmakers also receive significant running costs to cover official expenses. Former Senate President Ahmed Lawan and other lawmakers have pegged these costs at approximately N8.5 million per month. In 2018, former Senator Shehu Sani revealed that no specific guidelines exist on how these funds should be spent.

FIJ reported that the House of Representatives has yet to confirm whether they have begun donating half of their salaries as pledged. During the Channels interview, Ifeanyi stated that the donations would commence in August, noting that the decision was only approved in July.

The investigation into the lawmakers’ actual earnings highlights significant discrepancies and raises questions about the transparency of their financial dealings and the sincerity of their pledge to combat hunger. As the donations are set to begin, the public and media will closely monitor to ensure accountability and integrity in the lawmakers’ commitments.