Official Salary Of Deputy Governor's In Nigeria: Average Pay Per Month

In Nigeria, the role of a deputy governor is crucial in the administrative structure of each state, serving as the second-in-command to the governor. As such, they are entitled to a salary and a range of allowances that are structured by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). Despite these structured payments, the compensation package for deputy governors, like many high-ranking officials in Nigeria, has sparked debates due to perceived disparities with the living conditions of average citizens.

Basic Salary and Total Pay

As of 2024, the official salary of a Nigerian deputy governor is approximately ₦10,772,296 per year. This breaks down to a monthly basic salary of ₦176,017.92 and a total monthly compensation of ₦897,691.33 when allowances and other benefits are factored in. This salary places them just slightly below their superior, the state governor, whose total annual salary is around ₦11,540,896.

Allowances and Benefits

In addition to their base salary, deputy governors are entitled to various allowances that significantly enhance their overall compensation. One of the major perks is the vehicle loan, which amounts to ₦8,448,860. This loan is structured as 400% of their annual basic salary. Besides this, they receive an annual leave allowance of ₦211,221.50.

Other entitlements include allowances for health care, travel (both local and international), and accommodation. These non-salary benefits ensure that a deputy governor enjoys a comfortable standard of living while in office. They also receive Estacode allowances, which are payments made in foreign currencies when they travel abroad on official duties.

Comparisons with Governors

The salary difference between a governor and their deputy is relatively narrow. For instance, while a governor earns ₦11,540,896 annually, a deputy governor’s annual earnings are just under ₦11 million. This small gap has often been a point of discussion. Both roles come with significant responsibilities and privileges, yet the slight variance in pay reflects the hierarchical nature of their positions. Nonetheless, both positions share many of the same benefits, including hefty vehicle loans, international travel allowances, and post-office gratuities.

Controversies and Public Perception

The compensation of deputy governors, along with that of other political officeholders, has been a contentious issue in Nigeria. Despite their official salary being relatively modest in comparison to the wealth displayed by many officials, the allowances, benefits, and perks they receive are significant. Moreover, the discrepancy between the remuneration of political officeholders and civil servants, who earn a minimum wage of ₦30,000 per month, exacerbates public dissatisfaction.

Many Nigerians question the transparency of the earnings of public officials. For instance, while the official salary might appear reasonable, the additional perks, especially those that are not explicitly defined (such as entertainment or housing allowances), contribute to a lifestyle far removed from the reality of average citizens. This is particularly evident when you consider that deputy governors frequently travel in expensive convoys and live in luxurious government-provided homes.

Another area of controversy is the gratuity paid to deputy governors at the end of their tenure. Just like governors, deputy governors are entitled to an end-of-tenure gratuity, although the exact amount varies by state. For example, governors are entitled to ₦6,671,115 upon completing their term, and deputy governors receive a proportional sum.

Conclusion

The official salary of a Nigerian deputy governor is part of a broader compensation package that includes substantial allowances and perks. While their official salary is structured and regulated by RMAFC, the accompanying benefits—such as vehicle loans, travel allowances, and post-office gratuities—raise the total compensation significantly. However, public perception of these earnings remains critical due to the apparent disparity between the earnings of political officeholders and the general population, particularly civil servants. The ongoing discussion about the financial privileges enjoyed by deputy governors and other high-ranking officials reflects broader concerns about governance and the distribution of public resources in Nigeria.

The clamor for reforms in the pay structure of public officials continues to grow as the nation grapples with economic challenges, and many citizens argue that cutting down on these extravagant benefits could free up resources for more productive uses