Nigerian Governors Salary Structure in 2025: Full Breakdown & Allowance and Take Home
Ever wondered how much a Nigerian governor earns monthly in 2025? With all the chatter surrounding the New minimum wage increase and public outcry over rising government expenses, the spotlight is now firmly on how much our state leaders actually earn. In this guide, we’re pulling back the curtain on the full salary structure for Nigerian governors, their deputies, commissioners, and local government officials.
In addition, the Nigerian public is increasingly worried that by reducing the salaries and perks of governors, the federal government could allocate more funds towards other urgent matters in the country. Consequently, we will investigate the typical earnings of Nigerian Governors and assess the remuneration of other state officials, including Deputy Governors, Local Government Chairmen, and State Secretaries
Moreover, Nigerian citizens have claimed that reducing the salaries and benefits of governors could generate additional revenue to manage the country’s affairs. Today, we will focus on this subject by investigating the average earnings of Nigerian Governors, as well as the compensation of other state officials, such as Deputy Governors, Local Government Chairmen, and State Secretaries.
To become a Nigerian governor, there are some requirements as prescribed by the constitution and they are:
- Being a Nigerian by birth
- Not being younger than 35 years.
- Being a registered member of a political party approved by INEC
- Entitled to a four year tenure and can be re-elected for another four years.
Currently, a Nigerian Governor’s basic salary is ₦2.22 million, their deputies earn ₦2.11 million while their Commissioners earn ₦1.33 million per month. It has been debated that given the present economic challenges facing the country, the salary of the Governors is still high and needs to be reduced since they still receive other allowances.
Now, lets explain and breakdown the information further.
SALARY OF NIGERIAN GOVERNORS AFTER MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE (2025)
The annual average salary a state governor earns is ₦11,540,896 with the annual leave allowance slated at ₦222,370.50.
According to the 2009 approved earnings accrued to public office holders, a state governor is entitled to 400% of his annual basic salary which is ₦8,894,820.00 and serves as allowances for maintenance of vehicles.
You should also know that aside the basic salary and vehicle allowance, there are also other entitlement accrued to the governor’s office for accommodation and furniture. All these allowances are dully provided by the state government.
Furthermore, the state bears the brunt on medical expenses spent of the governor. Upon the completion of his tenure, the governor would receive a severance gratuity of ₦6,671,115.
It is the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Package (RMAFP) that sheds more light on governors spending in the country. Unfortunately, RMAFP did not set any limit to the allowance of the governor on foreign trips made from the state account. This is referred to as duty tour allowance for local trips which is give on request by the sitting governor
Here is full breakdown of the allowance and salary of the state governor in Nigeria:
- Basic salary = ₦2,223,705
- Leave allowance = ₦222,370.50
- Vehicle loan = 400% of annual basic salary.
- End of tenure gratuity = ₦6,671,115
- Total salary = ₦11,540,896
Next we highlight the salary of deputy governors alongside other public office holders within the state.
SALARIES OF DEPUTY STATE GOVERNORS
The deputy governor is the second citizen in the state and he earns a little bit lower than the annual salary of the state governor. He receives ₦10,772,296 as salary per annum.
From this we can breakdown the salary of the deputy governor as:
- Basic salary = ₦2,112,215
- Vehicle loan = ₦8,448,860
- Annual leave allowance = ₦211,221.50.
The deputy also enjoys accommodation and furniture allowance just as the governor which is dully provided for by the state government as well as medical bills. No limit is set also for foreign trips.
COMMISSIONER SALARY/SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT
The commissioner and the secretary to the state government earns the same salary. Both receives a salary of ₦10,831,522 that consists of an annual basic salary of ₦1,337,225.
Also within this range are the salaries of the chairmen of the State Civil Service Commission, Local Government Service Commission, State Judicial Service Commission and Chief of Staff to Governor.
Below is a breakdown of their what they earn:
- Basic salary = ₦1,337,225
- Furniture allowance = ₦4,011,675
- Leave allowance = ₦133,722.50.
- Vehicle loan = ₦5,348,900
- Severance gratuity = ₦4,011,675
The only difference between the allowances of commissioners and the state secretary is in their foreign trips which is limited to $600 while local trip is set at ₦25,000.
HOW MUCH IS THE SALARY OF A LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA CHAIRMAN?
The salary of Local Government Chairmen in a year is ₦5,994,659 when you add up all other allowances accrued to that office. Furniture allowance is received once in four years.
Here is a breakdown of what local government chairmen earn in the country:
- Annual basic salary = ₦908,312
- Furniture allowance = ₦1,362,468
- Leave allowance = ₦90,831.20
- Vehicle loan = ₦3,633,248
- Severance gratuity = ₦2,724,936
For salaries of the deputy local government chairman, it is estimated at ₦5,630, 169.60. Annual basic salary of ₦853,056 and furniture allowance of ₦1,279,584 is also included plus vehicle loan of ₦3,412,224 and a separate severance gratuity of ₦2,559,168.00.
SALARIES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILORS’ & LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARIES’
- Total salary = ₦5, 341, 380
- Basic salary = ₦809,300
- Furniture allowance = ₦1,213, 950
- Leave allowance = ₦80,930
- Vehicle loan = ₦3,237,200.
- End of tenure gratuity = ₦2, 427, 900
CONCLUSION
While the above figures for these public office holders might seem juicy, the work in which they do isn’t. The only advantage is that you are paid well for occupying such positions. The job of a public officer shouldn’t be done because of the benefits one gains but from service to humanity and the people that elected you.
No wonder the performance of many state governors or public office holders has diminished due to their selfish interest of the occupants of such office. See the Top Five Most Richest Politicians in Nigeria.
There you have it, the figures are on the basic salaries of Nigerian Governors and other public office holders. Are you for or against the reduction of Nigerian Governors Salary any further due to the economic situation in Nigeria this 2025? Do air your views in the comments section.
FAQs
Q: How much is a Nigerian Governor paid monthly in 2025?
A: Roughly ₦920,000, not including allowances.
Q: Do Deputy Governors earn more than Commissioners?
A: Yes. Deputy Governors earn slightly more due to higher responsibility.
Q: Are furniture and accommodation part of governor’s allowances?
A: Yes. These are fully covered by the state government.
Q: What body regulates political salaries in Nigeria?
A: The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
Q: Who is the richest governor in Nigeria?
A: As of 2025, likely Nyesom Wike or Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
