The National Assembly leadership has defended the payment as a “running cost,” but Falana described this as a careless attempt to deceive Nigerians.
Lagos, Nigeria – Human rights advocate, Femi Falana, has alleged that Nigerian senators are receiving an unlawful N21 million monthly allowance, describing it as “illegal and contemptuous.”
Falana, Chair of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), stated that the provision was not included in the 2024 Appropriation Act and violates a valid court order.
He cited a 2021 Federal High Court judgment, which ruled that the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is responsible for determining legislators’ salaries and allowances.
The renowned legal practitioner noted that the National Assembly’s appropriation of N370 billion for running costs and contingencies in the 2024 budget does not include a provision for the N21 million monthly payment to senators.
He threatened legal action, stating that the lawmakers are not above the law and that the payment compounds the crisis of inequality in the country.
The allegation comes after Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila revealed that he earns approximately N21 million monthly in salary and allowances.
The National Assembly leadership has defended the payment as a “running cost,” but Falana described this as a careless attempt to deceive Nigerians.
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