Ex-Senator: Former Lawmakers Face Financial Hardship, Struggle With School Fees

Former Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah has painted a less glamorous picture of life after politics, revealing that some ex-lawmakers in Nigeria find it hard to make ends meet, with many even struggling to pay their children’s school fees.

Speaking on Trust Television’s 30 Minutes programme, the former Kebbi South senator challenged the popular belief that holding public office guarantees wealth.

“Go to any constituency or anywhere you know where former lawmakers live,” Na’Allah said to the show’s host, Mannir Dan-Ali. “Find one senator or House of Representatives member who had no business or career before politics, and see if they can afford their children’s school fees after just one year out of office.”

Na’Allah argued that the lavish image many Nigerians associate with lawmakers doesn’t reflect the actual experience inside the National Assembly. He said many enter politics thinking it will be financially rewarding, only to be faced with disappointment and hardship later.

“Some people go into the National Assembly thinking it’s a place to make money, but they end up poorer,” he said.

When the host pointed out that many former lawmakers appear to be doing well, Na’Allah replied, “That’s just how it looks from the outside. I’m asking you to go and investigate. Come back and share what you find.”

The former senator, who once served as deputy majority leader in the 8th Senate, clarified that he wasn’t defending politicians but wanted to correct public misconceptions about wealth and political office.

He added that many lawmakers stay in office not for the perks, but out of hope for higher positions.

“They hold on, hoping that one day they might become Senate President or something more powerful—not just to remain ordinary senators.”

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