N21m paid to a senator is for running cost, not salary — Senate

The Nigerian Senate has clarified the comments made by Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, during a BBC Hausa Service interview that he earned a total of N21 million monthly salary and allowances.

The lawmaker also said that each of them receives N21 million monthly as a running cost due to a recent increase.

But while reacting to this statement, Senate spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu said that the running costs are different from the salaries and personal allowances set by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation & Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

The RMAFC chairman, Mohammed Bello had said that each senator’s monthly salary and allowances totalled N1,063,860.

Adaramodu, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Affairs, said that running costs are not exclusive to the legislature and are necessary for the operational expenses of all governmental bodies.

He stressed that the funds are accounted for and used solely for official purposes, requiring proof of genuine expenditure.

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