News
Lawmakers jumbo pay: SERAP threatens Akpabio, Abbas with legal action
Lawmakers jumbo pay: SERAP threatens Akpabio, Abbas with legal action
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) may be heading for the court over N21 million reportedly being paid to each senator monthly as a running cost.
Every member of the House of Representatives is believed to be taking an amount to close to that figure every month as a running cost.
SERAP has therefore called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to disclose the exact amounts of the monthly running costs currently received by members of the National Assembly.
SERAP stressed the need to end the alleged practice of the National Assembly setting its salaries, allowances, and running costs.
It argued that the practice contradicts the Nigerian Constitution and international obligations.
SERAP called for an end to depositing running costs directly into lawmakers’ personal accounts.
It recommended that appropriate anti-corruption agencies should investigate any misuse or mismanagement of these funds.
This is contained in a letter dated August 17, 2024, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
The organization expressed concern over the lawmakers’ practice of determining their own compensation and the lack of transparency surrounding the expenditure of millions of naira in running costs.
SERAP pointed out that the constitutional oath of office requires lawmakers to ensure transparency and accountability in disclosing the exact amounts they receive as salaries, allowances, and running costs.
The organization highlighted that paragraph N, section 32(d) of the Third Schedule to the Nigerian Constitution makes it unlawful for the National Assembly to set its own compensation.
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SERAP warned that if no action was taken within seven days of receiving or publishing the letter, the organization would pursue legal action to compel compliance in the public interest.
The group also stressed that accounting for and returning any misused or mismanaged running costs would help build public trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law. Furthermore, it would enhance lawmakers’ ability to fulfill their constitutional and statutory responsibilities effectively.
SERAP cited the UN Convention against Corruption, which requires public officials to promote integrity, honesty, and responsibility in managing public resources. The organization emphasized that Nigerians have the right to scrutinize how their lawmakers spend tax money and that lawmakers should act in the public interest rather than for personal gain.
The letter also referenced a recent disclosure by Senator Kawu Sumaila, who revealed that each Nigerian senator receives at least N21 million monthly in running costs, salaries, and allowances. SERAP mentioned former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s allegation that lawmakers set their own salaries and allowances, contrary to the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMAFC) recommendations.
SERAP called on the National Assembly to fulfill its constitutional responsibility and curb abuse in its spending.
Lawmakers jumbo pay: SERAP threatens Akpabio, Abbas with legal action
News
Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido
Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido
President Bola Tinubu has been accused of not being forthright about the true state of Nigeria under his administration.
Former Jigawa State Governor and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, Sule Lamido, made the accusation while speaking on the BBC Hausa programme Gane Mini Hanya.
Lamido criticized both Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari for what he described as a lack of transparency in governance.
“Buhari’s and Tinubu’s governments are not being transparent with Nigerians unlike during the time when PDP was in power where everything was transparent and open to all Nigerians,” Lamido said.
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He accused the two administrations of relying on propaganda rather than providing citizens with accurate information.
Lamido also expressed concerns over President Tinubu’s recent loan requests, questioning the logic behind them. “If Nigerians are being told the truth then there is nothing wrong with that, but how would you budget N30tn, generate N50tn and then request loan when you have a surplus of N20tn,” he said, referencing last year’s budget.
He described the situation as “reckless” and “selfish,” adding, “This recklessness and clear-cut selfishness is not done anywhere in the world, but yet you find (some) Nigerians supporting it. Visit social media and see how APC is being criticised, being referred to as calamity, yet you find some protecting it.”
Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido
News
Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]
Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the commencement of its recruitment exercise, assuring Nigerians that the process is entirely free and fair.
The agency has cautioned the public to be vigilant against scammers who may attempt to exploit unsuspecting applicants during the recruitment period.
Applications are invited for positions in the Superintendent, Inspector, and Customs Assistant cadres as part of the Service’s plan to recruit 3,927 officers in 2025.
This initiative is aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and supporting Nigeria’s economic recovery efforts.
“Our recruitment is entirely free and fair. At no stage do we charge fees. Anyone requesting payment is a scammer,” the agency emphasized, urging applicants to be wary of fraudulent schemes.
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The NCS outlined eligibility criteria, stating that applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth, possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN), and have no criminal record or ongoing investigations.
Academic qualifications for the three cadres are as follows:
Superintendent Cadre: A university degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) along with an NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.
Inspectorate Cadre: A National Diploma (ND) or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from an accredited institution.
Customs Assistant Cadre: At least an O’Level certificate (WAEC or NECO).
In addition to these qualifications, the NCS stressed that all applicants must be physically and mentally fit, providing evidence of medical fitness from a recognized government hospital.
Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]
News
Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size
Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size
President Bola Tinubu on Monday unequivocally responded to critics who described his cabinet as “bloated” by saying he is unprepared to reduce the size of his 48-man cabinet.
“I am not ready to shrink” the size of my cabinet, Tinubu said during a media chat at his Bourdillon residence in the highbrow Ikoyi area of Lagos State.
“I am not prepared to bring down the size of my cabinet,” the former Lagos governor said, arguing that “efficiency” has been at the core of his selection of ministers.
The president also said he has no regret removing the petrol subsidy in May 2023, saying Nigeria cannot continue to be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries.
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“I don’t have any regrets whatsoever in removing petrol subsidy. We are spending our future, we were just deceiving ourselves, that reform was necessary,” he told reporters.
Tinubu appointed 48 ministers in August 2023, three months after his inauguration. The Senate immediately screened and confirmed the ministers. One of the ministers, Betta Edu, was suspended in January while another, Simon Lalong, moved to the Senate.
There were calls for the President to reshuffle his cabinet as many Nigerians have not been impressed by the performance of some of the ministers, especially in the face of unprecedented inflation, excruciating economic situation and rising insecurity.
In October 2024, Tinubu re-assigned 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios and appointed seven new ministers for Senate confirmation. He also sacked five of his ministers but critics insist that the President’s cabinet remains large, especially with the creation of a Livestock Ministry with a minister.
Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size
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