In the 10th Assembly, members of the House of Representatives are allocated a total of N54 billion for constituency projects, with each member receiving N150 million. This information comes from an anonymous lawmaker who highlighted that these constituency allowances offer legislators a chance to directly impact their constituencies.
Constituency or zonal intervention projects in Nigeria involve developmental projects located within the constituencies of state Houses of Assembly members, House of Representatives members, or Senators. These projects are budgeted for under different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies and often feature banners acknowledging the sponsoring lawmaker.
The salaries and allowances of lawmakers have been subjects of controversy, often shrouded in secrecy. In the ninth assembly, House of Representatives members received N100 million each for constituency projects, while Senators received N200 million each.
Amid economic challenges and efforts to encourage public endurance during tough times in anticipation of positive changes under the ‘Renewed Hope’ of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, the constituency allowance for lawmakers has been increased by N50 million.
The anonymous lawmaker explained, “In the House of Reps, our constituency allowance is N150 million. This is our primary opportunity to support our constituencies with one or more projects. Although we usually lack direct control over the actual projects, this serves as a form of assistance to our constituencies. Often, many of us use our personal funds for these projects. This year, we are allocated N150 million in the House of Reps; I am unsure about the Senate’s allocation.”