House of Reps clarifies salary controversy amid donation pledge

The House of Representatives has reaffirmed that its members earn a monthly salary of N600,000, despite a recent revelation by Uzokwe Ifeanyi, the lawmaker representing Nnewi South Federal Constituency, who displayed a salary alert of N936,979.53 on national television.

This disclosure, made during an appearance on Channels Television, reignited debates over the actual House of Reps salary.

Akin Rotimi, the National Assembly’s spokesperson, addressed the controversy in a statement sent to FIJ on Wednesday. Rotimi clarified that Ifeanyi’s higher salary was due to special circumstances related to his delayed assumption of office.

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According to Rotimi, Ifeanyi joined the House late following a court decision, which resulted in his July salary including additional allowances that would have been spread across previous months had he started on time.

“The actual monthly salary for honourable members is N600,000 after deductions for advances such as housing, which are paid at the commencement of the tenure,” Rotimi explained. He emphasized that Ifeanyi’s case was exceptional and not reflective of the standard earnings of other lawmakers.

The clarification comes in the wake of a pledge made by the House on July 18, 2024, where members committed to donating half of their salaries for six months to combat hunger in Nigeria.

At the time, they stated they earned N600,000 monthly, promising to contribute N300,000 each, a commitment yet to be fulfilled.

Despite Rotimi’s explanation, the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) lists lawmakers’ official salaries at N794,086 monthly, further complicating the narrative.

Rotimi reassured the public of the House’s commitment to fulfilling its donation promise, attributing the delay to necessary administrative procedures and coordination with financial institutions.

“Instructions for adjusting salaries have since been issued and will be enforced moving forward to ensure our pledge is fully realized,” he said.