Nigeria, July 10 -- Although Nigerian lawmakers are among the highest paid in the world and earn allowances far above that of most other public servants, their leader says their service is borne out of sacrifice and not for personal enrichment.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio spoke on Tuesday while paying tribute to a late senator, Caleb Zagi, during the plenary on Wednesday.

He disagreed with the popular belief among Nigerians that members of the National Assembly live in opulence and are motivated by personal financial gain.

Mr Zagi, who represented Kaduna South Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011, reportedly struggled to afford healthcare after leaving office. He passed away on 25 June.

Mr Akpabio, while commenting on the late ...