23/06/2023
The Nigerian Federal Government Allocates N24bn for National Assembly Members' Accommodation
The Nigerian Federal Government has approved a budget of N24 billion for the accommodation allowances of the 10th National Assembly members, according to recent findings by The PUNCH. Based on data obtained from the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission, it is estimated that these allowances will cost the country approximately N5.87 billion annually.
The housing allowances are distributed across various categories, including accommodation (200% of basic salary), domestic staff (75% of basic salary), utilities (30% of basic salary), house maintenance (5% of basic salary), wardrobe (25% of basic salary), and furniture (300% of basic salary).
While the furniture allowance is typically paid once every four years for public office holders, the frequency of payment for National Assembly members remains undisclosed. The report reveals that senators will account for approximately N1.38 billion of the annual allocation, while details regarding the Senate President and Deputy Senate President's allowances were not disclosed.
For the House of Representatives members, the housing allowances are expected to amount to N4.49 billion per year. Similarly, details regarding the Speaker and Deputy Speaker's allowances were not provided. Notably, the allowances cover only the 107 senators and 356 House of Representatives members, as specific information regarding key positions and vacant seats was not disclosed.
A breakdown of the allocation reveals that accommodation allowances amount to N4.05 million, domestic staff allowances amount to N1.52 million, utilities allowances total N607,920, house maintenance allowances reach N101,320, wardrobe allowances account for N506,600, and furniture allowances sum up to N6.08 million.