Lawmakers’ Salaries Insufficient to Support Demands of Elected Roles – Deputy Speaker Kalu

In a recent interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today,’ Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, expressed concerns that the current salaries of federal lawmakers are insufficient to support the demands of their elected roles.

Kalu emphasized that the take-home pay of the average lawmaker is significantly less than public perception, stressing the need for a clear distinction between salary and allowances. He argued that allowances are dedicated to fulfilling the tasks mandated by constituents and called for understanding, stating that a 50% reduction in salary is not the solution to the current challenges.

“At the moment, talking about the salary of the National Assembly, it is not as much as people think. Salary is different from allowance, which is meant to do the jobs our constituents have sent us to do,” Kalu explained.

He highlighted the economic challenges faced by lawmakers, considering factors such as inflation, transport costs, running constituency offices, and maintaining aides. Kalu suggested that reducing salaries alone would not align with the economic realities of the country and might not adequately address the issue.

While acknowledging the public discourse on cutting the cost of governance, Kalu commended President Bola Tinubu for ordering the full implementation of the 2012 recommendations of the Steve Oronsaye panel. He sees this as a positive step towards reducing the government’s operational expenses.

“I want to thank him for that because some of the issues mentioned in that report, we are going to use them as source materials for the work we are doing on Constitution review,” Kalu expressed his appreciation for President Tinubu’s commitment to cost-cutting measures.

In conclusion, Kalu assured that lawmakers are willing to consider adjustments if it aligns with moving Nigeria forward, emphasizing that they were elected by their constituents and are committed to the nation’s progress.