Senators in Nigeria have received N2 million each as a travelling allowance for the recess period until their resumption in September. This comes after Senate President Godswill Akapbio referred to the payment as a 'token' during a live plenary session. The total sum of N218 million was distributed among the 109 Senators in the upper chamber. While it is confirmed that the Senators received the allowance, it is yet to be clarified if the principal officers also received the N2 million vacation allowance.
In an interesting turn of events, Nigerian Senators have received a controversial N2 million travelling allowance each for their recess period until September. This information was confirmed following Senate President Godswill Akapbio's announcement of a 'token' that would be paid into the lawmakers' accounts during a live plenary session.
According to a report by Premium Times, all 109 Senators in the upper chamber received the same N2 million allowance, amounting to a total of N218 million. This allowance is expected to cover their expenses for the next seven weeks until plenary sessions resume on September 26.
While the Senators have received their travelling allowance, it remains unclear if this payment also extends to the principal officers. The remuneration package approved by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) states that the allowance and salaries of principal officers are above those of floor members of the Senate.
The principal officers include the Senate leader, deputy Senate leader, chief whip, and deputy chief whip, among others. However, it is yet to be confirmed if they received the N2 million vacation allowance.
As per the guidelines prepared by RMAFC, a Senator's annual salary is N2,026,400, and they receive N202,240 as a recess allowance. Meanwhile, the Senate President's basic salary per annum is N2,483,242, entitling them to N248,424 as a recess allowance. The deputy Senate President earns N2,309,166, with a recess allowance of N230,916.
The significant disparity in allowances between the principal officers and floor members has been a subject of debate. Critics argue that this difference undermines the principle of equality among Senators and raises questions about fairness and transparency in remuneration.
This latest allowance payment has also sparked public concern about the overall cost of governance in Nigeria. With a rapidly growing population and numerous economic challenges, citizens are calling for a reevaluation of the remuneration packages for elected officials.
It remains to be seen how this controversy will unfold and if there will be any changes in the recess allowances for Senators in the future. In the meantime, Nigerians continue to watch closely and demand greater accountability and transparency in their government.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-11 News
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