An analysis of the 2024 budgets of the National Assembly, state assemblies, and their agencies reveals a total expenditure of approximately N724 billion. This includes an estimated N50 billion allocated for salaries and allowances for federal and state lawmakers.
However, the overall allowances may surpass this figure due to undisclosed amounts for some lawmakers.The National Assembly received a total approved sum of N294.7 billion, with the assembly office allocated N36.73 billion, the Senate receiving N49.14 billion, and the House of Representatives allocated N78.63 billion.
Additionally, affiliate bodies such as the National Assembly Service Commission and the National Assembly Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies received funding.
Despite the allocated budget, concerns have been raised about the adequacy of funds, with calls for the implementation of assembly autonomy, which has been signed into law by the President.
Source: PUNCH