N21 million is for running cost, not salary and allowances — Senate.

The Senate has addressed recent comments made by Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, who claimed during a BBC Hausa Service interview that he earns a total of N21 million monthly salary & allowances.

He also mentioned that each senator receives N21 million monthly as a running cost due to a recent increase. However, Senate spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South), said that the running costs are distinct from the salaries & personal allowances set by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation & Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

The RMAFC chairman, Mohammed Bello had said that each senator’s monthly salary & allowances total N1,063,860. Adaramodu, the chairman of the Senate committee on public affairs, said that running costs are not exclusive to the legislature & are necessary for the operational expenses of all governmental bodies.

He stressed that the funds are accounted for & used solely for official purposes, requiring proof of genuine expenditure.