The management of the National Assembly has cleared the air that each senator is entitled to N,2,000,000 enjoyment allowance as part of the official running cost.
This was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, adding that both chambers are entitled to the amount as statutory running cost.
The Secretary of Research and Information, Dr. Ali Umoru explained that the said payment to the lawmakers in the upper and lower legislative chambers was mischaracterised, describing such as unfortunate, given that the money is part of their statutory running cost of offices.
“The attention of the Management of the National Assembly has been drawn to the persistent mischaracterization and misunderstanding of the payment of N2,000,000.00 (two million naira) allowance to each Senator.
“It should be noted that the two million Naira is part of the running cost of the office of each Senator as provided for in the 2023 budget.
“The allocation for running costs is not a new development; it has been standard practice. These funds are utilized to facilitate various activities that directly contribute to effective representation, legislative activities and other initiatives aimed at serving the interests of the people.
“For the avoidance of doubt and for emphasis, the said allowances were budgeted for in the 2023 Appropriation Act as part of the running cost of the office of each Senator of the 10th Assembly.
“The allowances are, therefore, an entitlement and not a privilege or largesse distributed to the Senators. However, given the wrong impression the subject matter has created, it has become imperative to make this clarification and put the records straight.
