House Of Representatives Salary In Nigeria: How Much Do They Really Earn?

The salaries and earnings of lawmakers in Nigeria’s House of Representatives have long been a subject of public interest and debate. As the lower chamber of the National Assembly, the House of Representatives is responsible for making laws, representing constituents, and overseeing the executive branch of government. With 360 members representing various constituencies across Nigeria, their compensation structure has been a topic of discussion due to its perceived opaqueness and the disparity between the average income of Nigerian citizens and the financial rewards that lawmakers enjoy.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the salary structure of Nigeria’s House of Representatives members, the allowances and perks that come with the role, and the ongoing debates surrounding lawmakers' earnings.

Basic Salary of House of Representatives Members

The basic salary of members of the House of Representatives in Nigeria is regulated by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), the body responsible for determining the remuneration of public office holders. According to the official RMAFC figures, a member of the House of Representatives earns a basic salary of approximately ₦2 million per year. This translates to a monthly salary of around ₦166,000.

However, this basic salary is only a fraction of a lawmaker’s total earnings, as it is supplemented by a wide range of allowances and bonuses. These additional benefits significantly increase the overall financial package received by members of the House of Representatives.

Allowances and Perks

In addition to the basic salary, members of the House of Representatives receive various allowances that cover everything from accommodation to transportation. These allowances often dwarf the basic salary and contribute to the public perception that Nigerian lawmakers are overpaid relative to the country’s economic conditions.

Some of the key allowances include

• Constituency Allowance: Each lawmaker is entitled to a constituency allowance to cover the cost of engaging with their constituents and addressing their concerns. This allowance is reportedly 250% of their annual salary, which amounts to around ₦5 million annually.

• Furniture Allowance: Lawmakers receive a furniture allowance of 300% of their annual salary, which is approximately ₦6 million. This is meant to cover the cost of furnishing their official residences.

• Hardship Allowance: Members of the House of Representatives are paid a hardship allowance, which is 50% of their basic salary. This amounts to around ₦1 million per year.

• Vehicle Maintenance and Transport Allowance: Lawmakers are given allowances for vehicle maintenance and transportation, which add up to about ₦1 million annually.

• Leave Allowance: Members also receive a leave allowance, which is 10% of their annual salary. This translates to ₦200,000 per year.

• Newspaper Allowance: House members are entitled to a newspaper allowance to cover the cost of staying informed on current events and legislative matters. This amounts to ₦1.2 million per year.

• Duty Tour Allowance (DTA): While the exact figure for DTA is not publicly available, it covers the cost of official travel within and outside Nigeria for parliamentary duties.

• Severance Gratuity: Upon the completion of their term, lawmakers receive a severance gratuity amounting to 300% of their annual salary. For a House of Representatives member, this equals ₦6 million.

Total Earnings of House of Representatives Members

When all these allowances are combined, the total annual earnings of a member of the House of Representatives can be well over ₦30 million. This does not include additional perks such as foreign trips, medical allowances, and other entitlements that lawmakers enjoy during their tenure. This figure also excludes discretionary funds like the "constituency project funds," which are earmarked for developmental projects within lawmakers' constituencies but have been a source of controversy due to allegations of mismanagement.

Controversy Surrounding Lawmakers' Salaries

The high salaries and allowances of members of the House of Representatives have sparked widespread criticism from Nigerian citizens, who argue that these earnings are disproportionate to the average income of the population. With more than 40% of Nigerians living below the poverty line, many believe that the remuneration of lawmakers is excessive, especially given the economic challenges the country faces.

Critics argue that the high cost of maintaining the National Assembly places an unnecessary financial burden on the country, especially when compared to other developing nations. Nigeria’s legislators are among the highest-paid in the world, despite the country grappling with issues like unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and poor public services.

There have been calls for a reduction in lawmakers’ salaries and allowances to reflect the economic realities of the country. Civil society organizations and activists have pushed for reforms that would make the remuneration structure more transparent and aligned with the economic situation of the country.

Defense of Lawmakers’ Earnings

On the other hand, proponents of the current salary structure argue that lawmakers need to be well-compensated to prevent corruption and ensure that they can focus on their legislative duties without being tempted by illicit financial gains. Supporters also point out that members of the House of Representatives are expected to provide financial assistance to their constituents, especially in a country like Nigeria where people often turn to their representatives for help with personal and community needs.

Furthermore, some lawmakers have defended their earnings by stating that their allowances are necessary to cover the high costs associated with maintaining their offices, engaging with constituents, and traveling across the country for legislative duties.

Conclusion

The salary of a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives goes far beyond the basic pay of ₦2 million per year, with allowances and bonuses pushing their total earnings to over ₦30 million annually. While this compensation package includes various allowances for constituency work, transportation, and accommodation, it has sparked heated debate in Nigeria. Many Nigerians believe that the earnings of their lawmakers are too high given the country’s economic challenges, while others argue that competitive pay is essential to maintain a functional and incorrupt legislature. Regardless of the differing opinions, the issue of lawmakers' compensation will likely remain a significant topic of discussion in Nigeria’s political landscape.