N21m Allowances Scandal: Lanre Ogunsuyi Slams Lawmakers’ Self-Approved Salaries

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has sparked a heated debate over the salaries and allowances of Nigeria’s federal lawmakers, according to Vanguard.

During a meeting with six members of the House of Representatives, led by Ugochinyere Ikenga, Obasanjo criticized the lawmakers for setting their own pay, calling it an immoral practice. His comments came as the group discussed proposed bills on single-term and rotational presidencies.

Obasanjo voiced his disapproval, condemning the lawmakers for having the power to determine their own salaries and benefits. This criticism highlights a broader public concern about the fairness and transparency of legislative compensation.

Mohammed Shehu, Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), defended the lawmakers, stating that senators officially earn N1.06 million per month in salary and allowances. However, Senator Sumaila Kawu of Kano South disclosed a startling disparity: after deductions, his total monthly take-home pay amounts to N21 million. This revelation has triggered significant public outrage.

Nigerians have expressed their frustration, emphasizing the stark contrast between the lawmakers’ substantial earnings and the widespread poverty experienced by many citizens. Critics argue that while ordinary Nigerians struggle to meet basic needs, a select group of politicians are receiving exorbitant salaries for relatively minimal work.

Public analyst Lanre Ogunsuyi has criticized the lawmakers’ compensation, describing it as out of touch with the economic realities faced by most Nigerians. He stated, “It is a shame for a nation when a group of public servants, hired by Nigerians, set their own salaries and allowances in violation of laws that mandate the relevant body to determine such matters. These allowances and benefits do not even include other perks like free medical care, housing, and security details. Their total compensation should be reviewed to reflect the country’s economic situation.”

This ongoing debate underscores the need for a reevaluation of lawmakers’ pay structures and a reassessment of how their compensation aligns with the financial challenges faced by the average Nigerian.