This article discusses the current 2023 wage structure for Governors in Nigeria. The money allotted to pay the salaries of these high ranking government officials, who are the Chief Security Officers of their various States is frequently a source of debate, with many claiming that this is one of the factors contributing to the nation’s rising cost of governance.
There have also been allegations that there will be more money available for development if these government officials cut back on their pay and benefits. But is this actually the case? We have chosen to address this subject in this piece by examining the average income of the Nigerian Governor. We will also examine the pay for other State officials, including the Deputy Governors, the Chairmen of Local Governments, and the Secretaries to the State Governments.
CRITERIA FOR BECOMING A STATE GOVERNOR IN NIGERIA
The following are the criteria for becoming a State Governor in Nigeria according to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as ammended):
- You must have been born in Nigeria
- You must be at least 35 years old
- You have to belong to a political party
- Your sponsor should be the the political party you belong to
- Your term is for four years, however, after your first four years in office, you can run for re-election.
STATE GOVERNORS SALARY STRUCTURE IN NIGERIA 2023
The average yearly salary for a State Governor in Nigeria this 2023 is ₦11,540,896, with the annual base salary being ₦2,223,705 and the annual leave allowance being ₦222,370.50. Every State Governor is entitled to a loan for vehicles and maintenance equal to 400 percent of his yearly basic pay, or ₦8,894,820.00, based on the 2009 approved earnings.
The Governor’s compensation package also includes housing and furniture allowances, which are also funded by the State Government, in addition to the base pay and vehicle allowance. The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Package (RMAFP), which is also a welfare program, likely explains more about the expenditures made by the country’s Governors.
The allowance in foreign currency for international travel from the State account is uncapped under this package. Also, there is no cap on how much can be collected as duty tour allowance for local travel by the RMAFP. On the Governor’s request, the estacode and the duty tour allowance are provided. The Governor’s medical costs are also covered by the State Government. The Governor is anticipated to earn an ₦6,671,115 severance payment after serving his term in office.
The State Governor’s salary in Nigeria this 2023 is broken down below:
- Total salary: ₦11,540,896
- Basic salary: ₦2,223,705
- Leave allowance: ₦222,370.50
- Vehicle loan: 400% of annual basic salary
- End of tenure gratuity: ₦6,671,115.
DEPUTY GOVERNORS SALARY STRUCTURE IN NIGERIA 2023
The Deputy Governor’s annual salary is a little less than that of the State Governor’s. This 2023, a Deputy Governor in Nigeria is paid the sum of ₦10,772,296 annually. This suggests that the Deputy Governor’s base pay is ₦2,112,215. The Deputy Governor can also get a ₦8,448,860 automobile loan. Additionally, he or she receives a ₦211,221.50 annual leave allowance.
The State Government also pays for the Deputy Governor’s housing and furnishings allowance, just like it does for the Governor. The State Government also covers medical expenses. Also, there is no defined cap on the amount of money that can be spent if the individual has to travel abroad.
SECRETARIES TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT/COMMISSIONERS SALARY STRUCTURE IN NIGERIA 2023
The annual basic salary for the Secretary to the State Government and Commissioner is ₦1,337,225, and their total compensation is ₦10,831,522. They are also entitled to a furniture and leave allowance of ₦4,011,675. A vehicle loan of ₦5,348,900 and a severance payment of ₦4,011,675 are also given to the Secretary to the State Government and Commissioner.
There is a limit on the total cost of international travel, unlike for Governors and Deputy Governors. The limit on local trips is ₦25,000, while that for foreign trips is fixed at $600. The compensation structure for the Chairmen of the State Independent Electoral Commission, State Civil Service Commission, State Judicial Service Commission, Local Government Service Commission, and Chief of Staff to the Governor all fall within the same range.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMEN SALARY STRUCTURE IN NIGERIA 2023
The Local Government Chairmen are paid a total yearly compensation of ₦5,994,659, which includes a ₦908,312 basic pay. A furniture allowance of ₦1,362,468 is also paid to them every four years. Additional benefits include a vehicle loan of ₦3,633,248 and a leave allowance of ₦N90,831.20 These government officials also get a ₦2,724,936 severance payment at the end of their four-year term.
A base salary of ₦853,056 is included in the estimated pay of ₦5,630,169.60 for the position of Deputy Local Government Chairman. In addition to a leave allowance of ₦85,305.60, the Deputy Local Government Chairman also receives a furniture allowance of ₦1,279,584 and a car loan of ₦3,412,224. He or she receives a separate ₦2,559,168.00 payment at the conclusion of their term as severance pay.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILORS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARIES SALARY STRUCTURE IN NIGERIA 2023
The following is the detailed breakdown of the Local Government Councilors and Local Government Secretaries salary structure in Nigeria this 2023:
- 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.
