The House of Representatives’ spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, has clarified that lawmakers’ monthly salaries are N600,000, countering the speculation that they are N900,000.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, Akin reaffirmed the House members’ commitment to a 50 per cent salary deduction to alleviate hardship.
He stated, “The House of Representatives has been inundated by some media outlets reporting claims of discrepancies in the salaries of members, suggesting that we received 100 per cent of our July salaries.
“The report claimed that our salary amounted to N936,979.
“We wish to clarify that the actual monthly salary for members is N600,000, after deductions for advances such as housing, which are paid at the commencement of the tenure.”
Akin explained that a member who showcased his salary on a television programme was an exception, having assumed office through a court decision long after the initial onboarding.
He emphasized the House’s commitment to the resolution passed on July 18, 2024, which mandated a 50 per cent salary reduction for six months.
“We acknowledge and regret that this resolution was not implemented by the bureaucracy as intended for July.
“Resolutions of the House are ratified when the votes and proceedings of plenary are adopted on the next legislative day. Consequently, the bureaucracy was only formally instructed on July 23,” Akin said.
He cited the delay in implementation due to necessary administrative procedures and coordination with financial institutions.
Instructions for adjusting salaries have since been issued and will be enforced moving forward to ensure the pledge is fully realized.
“There is nothing to investigate, as some media houses reported, as the House’s position on this matter had been provided to some journalists who had reached out for clarification,” Akin said.
He called for patience and assured the public of the House’s commitment to its pledge and sustained efforts to earn the trust and confidence of all Nigerians.
