ABUJA, Nigeria — A member of the House of Representatives, Ibrahim Auyo, has stirred controversy after alleging that federal lawmakers must pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million before being allowed to present motions, bills, or petitions on the floor of the National Assembly.
Auyo, who represents Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, made the claim in a viral video where he addressed criticisms from his constituents.
Speaking in Hausa, the lawmaker dismissed the notion that motions are tabled purely in response to public needs, saying money dictates much of the legislative process.
“Even the bills and petitions are paid for. You have to pay ₦3 million, ₦2 million, or ₦1 million for it to be read on the floor of the House. After you read the bill, you have to lobby over 360 lawmakers to support that the bill be considered,” Auyo said.
Responding to accusations that he had failed to support youth empowerment, Auyo insisted that young people had benefited significantly from his constituency projects.
He cited distributions of motorcycles, water pumps, and cars, but lamented that many recipients sold the items at undervalued prices.
“Eighty percent of the distribution goes to the youths. Whoever said the youths were not supported only expressed their personal opinion, as it’s not true,” he stated.
The lawmaker also outlined his approach to constituency demands, saying motions or requests must be submitted in writing through his aides.
He explained that immediate needs are sometimes addressed directly, while others are deferred for inclusion in annual budget appropriations.
Auyo’s claims, if proven true, raise troubling questions about transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s legislative process.
The National Assembly leadership has not yet issued an official response to the allegations.
