Lawmakers’ Monthly Earnings Can’t Last More Than Three Days, Says Dogara

Former House of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu Dogara has sparked a heated debate by asserting that lawmakers’ monthly earnings are insufficient to sustain them for more than three days.

This revelation came during the House’s inaugural legislative open week in Abuja, where Dogara challenged his colleagues to dispel misconceptions about their financial entitlements.

Dogara, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), disclosed that despite perceptions of high allowances, his monthly salary as a member of the House of Representatives was less than N400,000. In contrast, he noted receiving a monthly allowance of N25 million during his tenure as a presiding officer, primarily allocated for constituency needs.

“It’s important to clarify the reality regarding lawmakers’ salaries,” Dogara emphasized. “My salary as Speaker was less than N400,000. The N25 million allowance was strictly managed for constituency projects, illustrating the financial constraints legislators face despite public perceptions.”

The former Speaker’s remarks underscored ongoing public scrutiny over legislative compensation, challenging assumptions of excessive remuneration within Nigeria’s political sphere. Recently, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu echoed similar sentiments, urging a reevaluation of lawmakers’ salaries amid widespread misconceptions.

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“We must address the misconception that legislators earn exorbitant salaries,” Dogara urged. “Our allowances are essential for fulfilling our legislative duties effectively and serving our constituents’ needs.”

Dogara’s call for transparency in financial disclosures and prudent management of legislative allowances reflects broader efforts within the National Assembly to enhance accountability and restore public confidence in governmental spending. As lawmakers navigate these discussions, the focus remains on aligning compensation with legislative responsibilities while ensuring fiscal responsibility and ethical stewardship of public resources.