The Stream

Nigerians say #UndressNASS over alleged $43 million Wardrobe Allowance

Government official disputes figure as grossly exaggerated.

Reports suggesting Nigeria’s national assembly (NASS) members would receive a total of $43 million (N9 billion) to spend on clothes have triggered outrage across the country. The amount is reportedly set to be split between 109 senators, each receiving $108,000, and 360 members of the lower chamber who would take about $87,961 each. The amount would be recieved over the course of a four-year term. However, Elias Mbam, Chairman of Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), condemned the media reports for “exaggerat[ing]” the amount, saying each legislator would be getting around $2,500 (N506,600).

Thousands of tweets under #UndressNASS and #9billion vented frustration at the wardrobe stipend initially reported: