Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, addressed public misconceptions about the financial benefits of National Assembly members on Wednesday.
Speaking at the two-day House of Representatives Open Week celebration in Abuja, Dogara revealed that during his tenure as Speaker of the 8th Assembly, his total allowance was 25 million naira, while his salary was 400,000 naira.
Dogara’s clarification aimed to counter the widespread belief that National Assembly members receive exorbitant salaries and allowances. He explained that this misconception has contributed to a negative perception of legislators, who are often labeled as corrupt or excessively compensated.
Reflecting on his experience, Dogara stated, “While I was Speaker my salary was 400,000 Naira and my total allowance was 25 million naira, I told my accountant to open a separate account for the allowances and I never for once took any money out of that account; everything that came into that account was used to cater for the needs of constituents.”
Dogara described how he managed the allowances dedicated to constituency services. He recounted, “My accountant complained of the level of demand on the account and I told him if the money there is finished, borrow, and when money comes you return to where you had taken money from.”
He urged Nigerians to reconsider their views on the compensation of lawmakers, emphasizing that the financial situation of National Assembly members is not as inflated as often perceived. “I am saying this so Nigerians will give their legislatures breathing space and know that the narrative is not true about members,” he said.