Lawmaker salaries ‘not enough’ to do their jobs – Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on Monday claimed that federal lawmakers’ current salaries are insufficient to “take them home to do the jobs they were elected to do.”

Kalu emphasized that the typical lawmaker’s “take home pay” is significantly lower than public perception, urging understanding and arguing that the proposed 50% salary cut “is not the solution.”

He revealed this while speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today.

Kalu stated, “The salary of the National Assembly, I have said this repeatedly, is not as much as people think. Salary is distinct from allowances, which are allocated for fulfilling the duties our constituents sent us to do.”

“Allowances cannot be used for personal gain; they are intended for specific purposes. Misusing them will result in sanctions upon retirement,” he further clarified.

Kalu argued that the current salaries “fall far short of what they should be.”

He said that even a 50-80% reduction wouldn’t significantly impact their earnings, which he claimed “don’t align with the country’s economic situation.”

“Based on current economic indicators like inflation, the amount National Assembly members receive is inadequate to effectively serve their constituencies. Considering transportation costs, running constituency offices, and supporting staff necessary to fulfill their mandate, this isn’t a productive discussion in the face of our current crisis.”

However, Kalu ended on a conciliatory note, stating, “I can assure you they [lawmakers] would be willing to adjust. If that’s what it takes to move Nigeria forward, why not? We were elected by the people, not self-appointed.”

He also praised President Bola Tinubu for authorizing the full implementation of the 2012 recommendations by the Steve Oronsaye panel, a move intended to streamline government agencies.