Just Asking: Is There Something Suspicious Beneath The Lawmakers’ Salaries? 

BY ISAAC ASABOR*

It is not an exaggeration to say that Nigeria is a country where transparency is frequently a mirage, especially when it comes to lawmakers’ salaries, which have long been one of the most closely guarded secrets. Despite numerous calls for transparency, the actual figures paid to senators and representatives remain ambiguous. This opacity raises more than a few eyebrows, leading many to believe that something sinister is lurking beneath the surface.

Without a hint of hyperbole, Nigerian lawmakers are among the highest-paid in the world, but the specifics of their pay remain unknown. Attempts by civil society organisations, journalists, and even some government agencies to obtain exact figures have frequently failed. The reluctance to reveal these salaries implies that the figures are so astronomical that revealing them would cause public outrage.

The issue of legislators’ pay in Nigeria has sparked heated debate and controversy, particularly in recent years. The public outcry stems from the perceived ambiguity surrounding the exact amount that Nigerian lawmakers earn, with figures being tossed around by various stakeholders, often without clarity or formal confirmation. The situation has been exacerbated by the authorities’ apparent unwillingness to disclose these details, despite mounting pressure from civil society organisations, most notably the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

Despite the fact that Nigeria’s federal lawmakers are frequently regarded as among the highest-paid in the world, exact figures remain a closely guarded secret, adding to the public’s growing distrust of their elected representatives. Various sources have quoted different amounts, with some claiming that a senator earns more than N13 million per month in salaries and allowances, while others argue that the figure is significantly higher. Members of the House of Representatives are thought to earn slightly less, though the exact amount is unknown.

The public’s suspicion was heightened when the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), which is constitutionally mandated to determine public officer salaries, remained silent or noncommittal on the actual figures. This lack of transparency has fuelled speculation, with many believing that lawmakers earn far more than is publicly acknowledged.

In light of this secrecy, SERAP has taken a proactive approach to demanding transparency. The organisation has consistently called on the National Assembly to publicly disclose its members’ salaries and allowances. In a recent statement, SERAP emphasised that Nigerian citizens have the right to know how much their representatives are paid, especially in a country where the majority of the population lives in poverty.

“Transparency in public officials’ earnings is critical to fostering accountability and trust in governance,” SERAP said in a statement. “The culture of secrecy surrounding Nigerian lawmakers’ salaries and allowances is not only undemocratic, but it also breeds corruption.”

SERAP has threatened legal action if the National Assembly continues to withhold this information. The organisation claims that the refusal to disclose these details violates the Freedom of Information Act, which requires the release of public information.

There are numerous reasons to question why lawmakers’ salaries are kept hidden from the public. First and foremost, Nigerian lawmakers are paid a variety of allowances for everything from wardrobe to domestic staff. These allowances, when added together, dwarf their official salaries. Given the foregoing, this writer speculated that the government may have sensed that transparency would reveal how excessive these allowances are, particularly in a country grappling with widespread poverty.

In a similar vein, the government may be concerned about backlash from citizens who are struggling to make ends meet. With the economy in dire straits and inflation at all-time highs, revealing lawmakers’ true earnings could spark unrest among a populace already feeling the effects of austerity measures.

In a similar vein, it is difficult to morally justify lawmakers’ exorbitant salaries, especially given the state of public services and the economy. By keeping these figures private, the government avoids the inevitable ethical debate.

Unfortunately, the lack of transparency about lawmakers’ salaries undermines public trust. It gives the impression that those in power are more interested in personal gain than in serving the people. This secrecy also makes it difficult to hold lawmakers accountable, as the public is unaware of how much of the national budget is being funnelled into their pockets.

The continued secrecy surrounding lawmakers’ salaries suggests there is more at stake than simply avoiding public scrutiny. It raises concerns about whether these funds are being allocated appropriately and whether lawmakers are receiving additional, undisclosed perks. The lack of transparency allows for corruption and misuse of public funds, making it even more urgent that these salaries be made public.

Given the aforementioned likely whys and wherefores, the actual monthly salaries that lawmakers receive remain unknown. It is appropriate to note in this context that as Nigeria continues to face economic challenges, the call for transparency in government spending grows louder. As a result, lawmakers’ salaries should be made public, not only for the sake of public interest but also to restore trust in government. The era of secretive pay cheques must end if Nigeria is to progress as a truly democratic country.

There is no denying that the mystery surrounding Nigerian lawmakers’ salaries extends beyond mere curiosity. Simply put, it is a symptom of underlying systemic issues. Until these figures are revealed, the suspicious public will continue to smell a rat.