N29 Million Not Enough for Senators' Running Costs," Says Former Senator Amid Economic Hardship

Elisha Abbo, the former senator representing Adamawa North, has sparked significant debate with his recent remarks on the adequacy of the N29 million monthly running costs allocated to Nigerian senators. Speaking on Arise Television on Sunday, Abbo argued that the current allocation, though seemingly substantial, falls short of meeting the extensive demands placed on lawmakers, particularly in regions grappling with severe socio-economic challenges.

Abbo revealed that during his tenure in the Senate, his cumulative monthly earnings, including salaries, allowances, and running costs, amounted to N14.4 million. He expressed that this sum was insufficient to effectively address the pressing needs of his constituents in the North-East. "Cumulatively, when I was in the Senate, all the allowances put together was N14.4 million per month," Abbo stated, noting that this figure, which included wardrobe and vehicle allowances, barely covered the financial demands associated with his role.

His comments come at a time when Nigerian citizens are enduring significant economic hardship, with inflation and unemployment rates at record highs. The public has been increasingly vocal in calling for a reduction in the cost of governance, urging lawmakers and government officials to cut down on expenses and show solidarity with the struggles faced by the average Nigerian.

"It is about N29 million now. N29 million looks big on paper – I am saying this as an honest man, and I am not trying to support the National Assembly, an institution so vilified, and I have been a member of that vilified institution for five years, but I will lay the facts on the table. It [N29 million] is not humongous," Abbo asserted, attempting to clarify the financial realities of managing a political office in today's Nigeria.

Abbo’s statements follow recent revelations by Kawu Sumaila, the current senator representing Kano South, who disclosed that each senator receives N21 million monthly to cover office running costs. This disclosure has intensified public scrutiny and debate over the appropriateness and transparency of such allocations, especially in light of the current economic crisis.

Responding to the growing criticism, Yemi Adaramodu, spokesperson for the Senate, clarified that the "running cost" is not a personal entitlement but is meant to cover various operational expenses incurred by senators in the execution of their duties. Adaramodu emphasized that any additional costs incurred by senators in the course of their work must be properly accounted for and retired, highlighting that these funds are not simply take-home pay for lawmakers.