Saraki Receives Agency Responsible For Allowances Of Assembly Members, Releases Statement

The Senate president this afternoon met with the management of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation & Fiscal Commission RMAFC, to clarify issues bothering on the alleged N8.64 billion wardrobe allowance the newly inaugurated Assembly members are entitled to.

At the meeting, the Chairman of RMAFC, Engr. Elias Mbam denied the media reports, stating that each lawmaker is entitled to N506, 600 wardrobe allowance per annum. 

A press statement from Senator Saraki on the matter below

President of the Senate, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki today warned government agencies adamant of not remitting Federal Government revenue to the Federation account saying government will no longer condone such mismanagement act. Senator Saraki said this when he received the Chairman of Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Engr. Elias Mbam and his team in Abuja that non-compliance by agencies of government has brought major setback in the processes of governance.

He reiterated the support of the Senate in bringing back justice to any erring agency that indulges in diverting government revenue to illegal channel adding, “Monetary revenue and allocation is a serious challenge to our economy. Though, diversification of economy is very important but is not an overnight issue. We must block every leakage in government revenue.

“We made campaign promises to Nigerians and we must fulfill all our pledges. It cannot be business as usual. We will do everything within our capacity to elevate the living standard of Nigerians.”

Senator Saraki also cleared air on the N8.64billion bogus wardrobe allowance to lawmakers as reported in the media, saying the Commission is charged with fixing of remunerations to public office holders and advise the media to be more accurate in their reporting.

Earlier, the RMAFC Boss, Mbam said the agency have always enjoyed cordial relationship with the National Assembly while calling for continued working partnership with the view to enhance their effectiveness.

Mbam condemned the recent media report that exaggerated the wardrobe allowances of Senators and members of the House of Representatives saying, that wardrobe allowance is 25 percent of the basic salary which when broken down amounts to N506, 600 per legislator, per annum. He advised that the agency operates a functional website where information concerning the day-to-day activities of the agency is published.

Bamikole Omishore

Media Office of the President of the Senate