There was widespread criticism yesterday following the disclosure by Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports and a representative of Kano South under the NNPP, that he receives N21 million in monthly allowances in addition to a monthly salary of approximately N1 million.

This revelation came shortly after former President Olusegun Obasanjo accused members of the National Assembly of setting their own salaries and allowances, contrary to existing laws.

Despite the controversy, the Senate remained silent, with efforts to obtain a response from its leadership proving unsuccessful.

Senator Sumaila’s comments were made just 24 hours after Muhammed Shehu, Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC)—the body responsible for determining public servants' salaries and allowances—revealed that each senator receives a total monthly salary and allowances of N1,063,860.00.

Speaking on BBC Hausa Service, Sumaila clarified that the monthly salary is determined by the RMAFC, stating, "My monthly salary is less than N1 million. After deductions, the amount comes to just over N600,000. However, with the recent changes in the Senate, each senator now receives N21 million monthly as a running cost."

Sumaila’s revelation sparked reactions from various quarters, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), and the founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Chekwas Okorie, all of whom called on the Senate leadership to provide full transparency on the matter.

Meanwhile, efforts to get a response from the Senate leadership on the issue have so far been unsuccessful, as they have not responded to calls or text messages, and senators contacted have remained tight-lipped.