Local Government Chairman Salary in Nigeria as of 2025
When people discuss politics in Nigeria, most of the attention focuses on governors, senators, and the president. But local government chairmen are just as important; they’re the ones closest to the people, handling everyday issues in our communities. With all the power and influence they seem to have, many Nigerians are curious: how much does a local government chairman earn? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at their salary, allowances, and what benefits come with the job.
Responsibilities of a Local Government Chairman in Nigeria
The Local Government Chairman is the chief executive of the local government area. Their job goes far beyond attending ceremonies or sharing palliative; they are responsible for running the day-to-day affairs of the local council and ensuring that development reaches the grassroots. Here are some of the key responsibilities:
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Overseeing Local Government Administration:
The chairman manages the operations of the local council, including the different departments and staff. From health to education and sanitation, it’s their duty to make sure everything runs smoothly. -
Budgeting and Financial Management:
One of their major roles is to prepare and present the council’s budget. They are also in charge of ensuring that local funds are spent properly and that development projects are accounted for. -
Infrastructure and Development Projects:
Whether it’s grading rural roads, building health centers, or renovating schools, the chairman is expected to lead development projects that directly affect local communities. -
Maintaining Peace and Security:
Local chairmen work with security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to resolve conflicts and maintain peace at the grassroots level. -
Policy Implementation:
They are tasked with executing both federal and state government policies at the local level and making sure these policies benefit their people. -
Revenue Collection:
The chairman oversees the collection of local taxes, levies, and rates to fund community development projects and council operations. -
Representing the Local Government:
In meetings with the state government, donor agencies, or even international NGOs, the chairman represents the interests of the local government area.
How Much Do Local Government Chairmen Earn in Nigeria?
The salary structure for local government chairmen in Nigeria varies across different states and local government areas. However, the salary of local government chairmen in Nigeria is determined by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), which sets the remuneration for political office holders in the country. It’s important to note that the RMAFC periodically reviews the remuneration of public office holders to ensure equity and fairness.
The salary and other benefits of local government chairmen in Nigeria typically include a monthly basic salary, allowances, and other perks. These allowances may cover areas such as housing, transportation, and other official expenses. Additionally, there are often provisions for medical care, security, and other support services to ensure the effective discharge of their duties.
How Much Do Local Government Chairmen Actually Earn in Nigeria?
The exact salary of a Local Government Chairman in Nigeria can vary slightly depending on the state, but their earnings are generally determined by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
On average, a Local Government Chairman earns:
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Basic Monthly Salary: ₦336,000
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Total Monthly Package (with allowances): Between ₦500,000 to ₦850,000
This package includes several allowances such as:
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Hardship allowance
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Constituency allowance
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Security and duty tour allowance
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Furniture allowance (paid once in four years)
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Vehicle maintenance
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Entertainment allowance
In many cases, they also enjoy:
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Official vehicles
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Security personnel
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Travel allowances
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Housing (or housing allowance)
However, it’s important to note that some states pay slightly more or less, and there are often unofficial benefits like project commissions or political gifts that aren’t part of the official salary.
Who Is the Highest Paid Chairman?
To date, there is no official national publication listing a specific “highest paid” Local Government Chairman by name. However, chairmen in urban and economically powerful LGAs are widely believed to earn the most in practice.
These likely include:
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Ikoyi-Obalende LGA (Lagos State)
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Port Harcourt City LGA (Rivers State)
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Uyo LGA (Akwa Ibom State)
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Warri South LGA (Delta State)
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Municipal LGA (Abuja, FCT)
While these officials may earn a similar basic salary, the size of their projects, revenue base, and unofficial influence often gives them a financial edge over chairmen in smaller or less-funded LGAs.
Top 5 Highest Paid Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria
In the absence of specific information regarding the top five highest-paid Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria, the monthly LGA statutory allocation distributed by the Federation Account Allocation Committee provides a basis for analysis. Notably, Abuja Municipal, having received the highest allocation, has an average monthly allocation of 391.1 million naira (N391,103,922) or an annual average of 4.69 billion naira (N4,693,247,062). On the other hand, Ifedayo local government in Osun State, with the least allocation, has accrued a monthly average of 88.56 million naira (N88,560,331) or an annual average of 1.06 billion naira (1,062,723,969). This raises questions about the transparency, accountability, and prudence of the state governments in managing these funds.
In examining the top twenty LGAs in the recipient list, the following allocations were observed:
- Oshodi-Isolo (Lagos state)– 48.85bn.
- Mushin (Lagos state)– 49.31bn.
- Kosofe (Lagos state)– 49.96bn.
- Alimosho (Lagos state)– 52.16bn.
- Abuja Municipal (Abuja)– 56.32bn.
This significant disparity in allocations raises questions about transparency, accountability, and prudence in the management of these funds by the local governments. Effective utilization of these resources is crucial for the development and well-being of local communities.
Wrap Up
Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria receive a salary along with various allowances. However, the total compensation package can reach millions due to benefits like vehicle loans and furniture allowances. It is important to note that there have been calls to review these salaries in light of the country’s economic situation.
FAQs About Local Government Chairman Salaries in Nigeria
1. What is the salary structure for political office holders at the local government level in Nigeria?
The salary structure for political office holders at the local government level — including chairmen, vice-chairmen, and councillors — is determined by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). This structure includes a basic salary, allowances, and other entitlements. While the chairman receives the highest pay, others earn according to their rank and duties.
2. Do local government chairmen in Nigeria receive pension after leaving office?
Yes, in many states, local government chairmen are entitled to pension benefits after completing their tenure, depending on the state’s pension scheme for political office holders. Some states offer severance packages or retirement benefits based on years of service, although this varies widely and is sometimes contested due to transparency concerns.
3. How are local government chairmen funded in Nigeria?
Local government chairmen receive funding through monthly allocations from the Federation Account, which are disbursed by the Federal Ministry of Finance through the Joint Allocation Committee in each state. Additional revenue comes from internally generated funds such as local levies, taxes, and permits within their jurisdiction.
4. Are local government chairmen entitled to security vote in Nigeria?
Yes, some local government chairmen in Nigeria receive security votes, although it is not publicly disclosed in most cases. These funds are meant for maintaining peace and security within their LGA but are often criticized for lack of accountability since they are not usually audited.
5. What is the difference between a local government chairman and a councillor in Nigeria?
A local government chairman is the chief executive of the local government area and oversees all administrative and financial decisions. In contrast, councillors are elected representatives of specific wards who make bylaws and monitor local projects. Councillors report to the chairman and earn significantly less in salary and benefits.
6. Which local government in Nigeria receives the highest monthly allocation?
As of the latest data, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) receives the highest allocation, with an average monthly revenue of over ₦391 million, making its chairman one of the most financially empowered in Nigeria. Other high-earning LGAs include Alimosho, Kosofe, and Mushin in Lagos State.
