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Official Salary Of Governor's In Nigeria: Average Pay Per Month
Governors in Nigeria hold one of the most powerful and influential positions in the country's political system. As the chief executives of their respective states, they play a critical role in shaping state policies, overseeing development, managing resources, and implementing national laws at the state level. With this level of responsibility comes a substantial compensation package, which includes a basic salary, allowances, and various benefits. However, the exact figures concerning the salaries and allowances of Nigerian governors have often been a subject of public debate and concern, especially in light of Nigeria’s economic realities. In this blog post, we will explore the official salary structure of governors in Nigeria and break down their average pay per month based on available information.
Basic Salary of Nigerian Governors
The official salary of Nigerian governors is determined by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), the federal agency responsible for setting the salaries of all public officers in Nigeria, including the president, vice president, and members of the National Assembly. According to the RMAFC's latest remuneration package, the basic annual salary of a Nigerian governor is ₦2,223,705.
Breaking it down on a monthly basis, this translates to an approximate ₦185,308 in basic salary per month. While this amount might appear modest compared to the high-profile nature of the position, it is important to note that the basic salary forms just a fraction of the total monthly income. The larger portion of a governor's earnings comes from allowances, which we will discuss next.
Allowances and Benefits
In addition to the basic salary, governors in Nigeria receive various allowances that significantly increase their total earnings. These allowances are meant to compensate for the demands of the office and ensure that governors can effectively carry out their responsibilities.
1. Hardship Allowance
Governors are entitled to a hardship allowance, which is calculated at 50% of their basic salary. This allowance is provided to compensate for the rigorous nature of their duties. For a Nigerian governor, this amounts to approximately ₦92,654 per month.
2. Constituency Allowance
Constituency allowance is provided to governors to enable them to maintain close ties with their constituencies. This allowance is calculated at 100% of the basic salary, which translates to ₦185,308 per month.
3. Leave Allowance
Governors are entitled to an annual leave allowance, which is 10% of their annual basic salary. This amounts to ₦222,370 annually, which is paid once a year, making it a significant addition to their overall compensation.
4. Security Vote
One of the most significant and controversial allowances governors receive is the security vote. The security vote is an undisclosed, lump-sum allocation provided to governors to manage security-related issues within their states. Although the exact amount varies by state, reports suggest that security votes can run into hundreds of millions of naira monthly. It is important to note that this allowance is not subject to public accountability, and its use is often criticized for its lack of transparency.
5. Vehicle and Transport Allowance
Governors are entitled to vehicle allowances, which cover the cost of acquiring and maintaining official vehicles. The amount varies from state to state, but typically, governors are provided with a fleet of vehicles, including security escorts and personal cars. The cost of fueling and maintaining these vehicles is fully borne by the government.
6. Medical Allowance
Governors receive full medical coverage, which includes access to top-tier healthcare services both within and outside Nigeria. This allowance is comprehensive and extends to the governor’s immediate family. Many governors have been known to travel abroad for medical treatment, and these expenses are fully covered by the state.
7. Accommodation and Furnishing Allowance
Governors are entitled to official residences, which are often luxurious and fully furnished. The cost of furnishing the governor’s residence is calculated at 300% of the annual basic salary. This amounts to ₦6,671,115 over a governor’s four-year term, although this is typically paid once at the beginning of the term.
8. Severance Gratuity
Upon leaving office, governors are entitled to a severance gratuity, which is calculated at 300% of their annual basic salary. This amounts to ₦6,671,115 and is paid as a lump sum at the end of the governor’s tenure. This gratuity serves as a post-office benefit for governors after serving their term.
Total Monthly Earnings
When we consider the various allowances in addition to the basic salary, the total monthly earnings of a Nigerian governor far exceed the basic salary of ₦185,308. The inclusion of the hardship allowance, constituency allowance, and security vote results in total earnings that can reach millions of naira per month.
While the basic salary and publicly available allowances might seem modest, the inclusion of the security vote and other discretionary allowances significantly increases the total earnings. For instance, many estimates suggest that governors may earn anywhere from ₦10 million to ₦50 million per month, depending on the state and the availability of funds.
Comparison with Other Public Officials
When compared to other public officials, such as senators and ministers, governors in Nigeria earn significantly more in terms of total compensation. Senators, for instance, have a basic salary of ₦2.48 million per month, while ministers earn a basic salary of approximately ₦650,000 per month. However, both senators and ministers also receive substantial allowances, which bring their total earnings closer to that of governors.
Post-Tenure Benefits for Governors
One of the most contentious issues surrounding the salaries of Nigerian governors is the post-tenure benefits they receive. Several states have enacted laws that provide former governors with lifelong pensions, official vehicles, personal staff, and other benefits. In some states, former governors are entitled to as much as ₦10 million per month in pensions, in addition to other perks such as housing and medical coverage. These pensions have been criticized by many Nigerians as excessive, especially in light of the economic challenges faced by many states.
Criticism and Calls for Reform
The salary structure of Nigerian governors has been the subject of criticism for many years. Many Nigerians believe that the salaries and allowances of public officials, including governors, are too high, especially when compared to the country’s minimum wage, which stands at ₦30,000 per month. The disparity between the earnings of political leaders and the average citizen has led to calls for a review of the salary structure for public officials.
In addition, the security vote, which is a significant portion of a governor's earnings, has been criticized for its lack of transparency. Many argue that this fund is often misused for personal gain, rather than addressing the security challenges in the states.
Conclusion
The official salary of Nigerian governors may appear modest when considering only the basic salary, but when allowances and other perks are factored in, the total monthly earnings are substantial. With allowances such as the security vote, vehicle and accommodation allowances, and medical coverage, governors in Nigeria earn far more than their basic salary suggests. The total monthly earnings of a governor can range from ₦10 million to ₦50 million, depending on the state and discretionary funds available.
While the position of a governor is undoubtedly one of great responsibility, the high salaries and allowances have raised questions about fairness and equity, especially in a country where many citizens struggle to make ends meet. As calls for reform grow louder, there is increasing pressure on the government to review the remuneration package of public officials and ensure that it reflects the economic realities of the country.
