Ondo State House Of Assembly Salary Per Month: Too Much Or Too Little? How Much They Earn

The salary of lawmakers in Nigeria has often been a subject of public debate and scrutiny. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the monthly salary structure of members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, exploring whether their earnings are justified.

Overview of the Ondo State House of Assembly

The Ondo State House of Assembly is the legislative arm of the Ondo State Government in Nigeria. It is composed of elected representatives from the 18 local government areas of the state. The primary responsibilities of the House include making laws, approving budgets, and providing oversight for the executive branch.

Breakdown of Monthly Salaries for Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly

The salaries of members of the Ondo State House of Assembly are determined by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). The salary structure includes basic salary, allowances, and other benefits. Here is a detailed breakdown:

Basic Salary

• Speaker: The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly earns a basic monthly salary of approximately ₦750,000.
• Deputy Speaker: The Deputy Speaker earns a basic monthly salary of about ₦650,000.
• Majority Leader: The Majority Leader receives a basic monthly salary of around ₦600,000.
• Members: Each member of the House of Assembly earns a basic monthly salary of approximately ₦500,000.

Allowances

In addition to the basic salary, members receive various allowances that significantly increase their monthly earnings. These allowances include:

• Accommodation Allowance: This allowance is meant to cover the cost of housing for lawmakers. It can range from ₦1,000,000 to ₦2,000,000 annually.
• Transport Allowance: Members receive transport allowances to cover travel expenses. This allowance can be up to ₦500,000 annually.
• Furniture Allowance: This is provided to members to furnish their official residences. It is usually paid once in four years and can be as high as ₦2,000,000.
• Constituency Allowance: This allowance is given to members to enable them to take care of their constituencies. It can range from ₦5,000,000 to ₦10,000,000 annually.

Other Benefits

• Medical Allowance: Members are entitled to medical allowances to cover healthcare expenses.
• Duty Tour Allowance: This is provided for official travels and can vary based on the distance and duration of the trip.

Total Monthly Earnings

When all allowances and benefits are considered, the total monthly earnings of members of the Ondo State House of Assembly can be significantly higher than the basic salary. On average, a member could earn between ₦1,000,000 and ₦2,000,000 per month, depending on the specific allowances and benefits received.

Is It Too Much or Too Little?

The question of whether the salaries and allowances of Ondo State House of Assembly members are too much or too little is subjective and depends on various factors, including the state’s economic situation, the responsibilities of the lawmakers, and public perception.

Arguments for “Too Much”

• Economic Disparity: Critics argue that the high salaries and allowances of lawmakers are disproportionate to the average earnings of ordinary citizens in Ondo State, many of whom live below the poverty line.
• Resource Allocation: There is a concern that excessive spending on lawmakers’ salaries could divert funds from critical areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Arguments for “Too Little”

• Responsibilities and Risks: Supporters claim that lawmakers have significant responsibilities, including lawmaking, oversight, and representing their constituencies. They also face various risks and challenges in the course of their duties.
• Living Standards: The cost of living and maintaining a decent standard of living for public officials can be high, justifying their salaries and allowances.

FAQs

How are the salaries of Ondo State House of Assembly members determined?

The salaries and allowances of Ondo State House of Assembly members are determined by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), which sets the remuneration for public office holders in Nigeria.

What additional benefits do Ondo State House of Assembly members receive?

In addition to their basic salary, members receive various allowances, including accommodation, transport, furniture, constituency, and medical allowances. They also receive duty tour allowances for official travels.

How does the salary of Ondo State House of Assembly members compare to other states?

The salaries of state lawmakers in Nigeria are generally similar across states, as they are set by the RMAFC. However, specific allowances and benefits can vary based on the state’s financial capacity and policies.

Why is there public scrutiny over the salaries of lawmakers in Ondo State?

Public scrutiny arises from concerns about economic disparity, resource allocation, and the perception that lawmakers’ salaries are excessively high compared to the average earnings of ordinary citizens in the state.

Are there any proposals to change the salary structure of Ondo State House of Assembly members?

There have been various calls for reforms and reviews of the salary structure for public office holders in Nigeria, including state lawmakers. These proposals aim to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources and align salaries with the country’s economic realities.

Conclusion

The salary structure of members of the Ondo State House of Assembly remains a contentious issue, with arguments on both sides regarding whether it is too much or too little. While lawmakers have significant responsibilities and face various challenges, the high earnings compared to the average citizen’s income raise questions about economic disparity and resource allocation. As such, ongoing discussions and potential reforms are essential to address these concerns and ensure a fair and sustainable remuneration system for public office holders.