Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has pushed back against suggestions that lawmakers set their own pay. He told reporters that the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission handles all salary decisions.
Bamidele made the remarks following a court judgment that branded the National Assembly's N110 billion spending spree illegal. A Federal High Court in Lagos recently ruled against the controversial vehicle and allowance packages.
According to the court's decision, lawmakers spent N40 billion on 465 vehicles for members. Another N70 billion went to support allowances for newly-elected representatives.
Justices found that both schemes violated procurement rules and breached constitutional duties. They also said the spending betrayed public trust.
Court orders now bind Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Both must ensure all future spending follows proper legal procedures.
Yet Bamidele defended the allowances given to legislators across the country. He stressed that lawmakers cannot decide what they earn themselves.
According to him, many Nigerians simply don't understand how the system works. This lack of awareness fuels public anger about the spending.
"Legislators do not determine their own remunerations," Bamidele noted during remarks to journalists. "Salaries and allowances are fixed by RMAFC," he added.
Money allocated for official vehicles and related perks supports constituency work, he explained. These funds aren't meant for personal use by individual members.
Bamidele called for better public communication about government salaries and allowances. Transparency would clear up confusion and build confidence in the system, he argued.
