Official Salary Of The Deputy Senate President Of Nigeria: Average Pay Per Month

The Deputy Senate President of Nigeria holds a prominent role in the country's legislative arm, serving as the second-highest-ranking official in the Senate. The office comes with significant responsibilities, including presiding over Senate sessions in the absence of the Senate President, ensuring smooth legislative processes, and representing the Nigerian Senate in both national and international capacities. Given the importance of this position, the Deputy Senate President is compensated with a substantial salary, alongside several allowances and perks. This blog post will explore the official salary structure of the Deputy Senate President, breaking down the various components of the pay and analyzing how it compares with other top officials in Nigeria.

Basic Salary of the Deputy Senate President

The basic salary of the Deputy Senate President is determined by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), the body responsible for setting the salaries of public officials in Nigeria. According to the RMAFC guidelines, the Deputy Senate President receives a basic monthly salary of approximately ₦2.3 million.

However, this basic salary is only one part of the Deputy Senate President’s earnings, as various allowances and bonuses significantly increase the total monthly compensation.

Allowances and Benefits

In addition to the basic salary, the Deputy Senate President is entitled to various allowances, which form a substantial part of the total monthly earnings. These allowances are provided to compensate for the demands of the office and ensure that the Deputy Senate President can perform duties effectively.

• Hardship Allowance: Like the Senate President, the Deputy Senate President is entitled to a hardship allowance, which is 50% of the basic salary. This allowance is paid to compensate for the challenging nature of the job. For the Deputy Senate President, this amounts to approximately ₦1.15 million per month.
• Constituency Allowance: As a senator representing a constituency, the Deputy Senate President is entitled to a constituency allowance, which is 200% of the basic salary. This allowance is provided to ensure that the Deputy Senate President can adequately engage with the constituency and organize activities and meetings. The constituency allowance for the Deputy Senate President amounts to approximately ₦4.6 million per month.
• Furniture Allowance: The Deputy Senate President is also entitled to a furniture allowance, which is paid once every four years. This allowance is 300% of the basic salary, equating to approximately ₦6.9 million over the four-year period. While this is not a monthly payment, it contributes significantly to the overall earnings over time.
• Duty Tour Allowance: When the Deputy Senate President travels within Nigeria for official duties, a duty tour allowance is provided. The amount is based on the number of days spent on the trip and covers accommodation, transportation, and related expenses.
• Estacode (Foreign Travel Allowance): The Deputy Senate President is also entitled to an estacode allowance during official foreign trips. This allowance, paid per night, typically amounts to $1,000 per night during foreign travel. It covers the cost of accommodation, meals, and other expenses incurred while representing the Senate internationally.

Other Perks and Entitlements

In addition to the salary and allowances, the Deputy Senate President enjoys several other perks that are not directly paid as salary but are crucial to the overall compensation package. These perks include:

• Official Accommodation: The Deputy Senate President is provided with fully furnished accommodation in Abuja, the nation’s capital, at no cost. This is typically in a government-maintained residence, which is equipped to meet the official's needs.
• Official Vehicles: The Deputy Senate President is entitled to official vehicles for personal and official use. The cost of maintaining these vehicles, including fueling and servicing, is covered by the government.
• Medical Benefits: The Deputy Senate President is entitled to comprehensive medical care, both within and outside Nigeria. This includes access to high-quality healthcare services, which are fully funded by the government.
• Security: As one of the top-ranking officials in Nigeria, the Deputy Senate President is provided with round-the-clock security. This includes a team of security personnel and personal drivers, ensuring the official's safety both in Abuja and other parts of the country.

Total Monthly Earnings

When all the allowances, perks, and benefits are considered, the total monthly earnings of the Deputy Senate President exceed the basic salary of ₦2.3 million. In fact, when the various allowances, such as hardship and constituency allowances, are added, the Deputy Senate President’s total monthly earnings can surpass ₦8 million.

This significant compensation package reflects the importance of the office and the level of responsibility associated with it. However, it also raises questions about the fairness of the remuneration system in Nigeria, particularly when compared to the average earnings of ordinary citizens.

Severance Package and Retirement Benefits

At the end of the term in office, the Deputy Senate President is entitled to a severance gratuity. This gratuity is 300% of the annual basic salary, amounting to several million naira. Additionally, after leaving office, the Deputy Senate President enjoys certain post-retirement benefits, including medical coverage, access to official vehicles, and security protection.

Comparison with Other Public Officials

While the Deputy Senate President earns a basic salary of ₦2.3 million per month, the total compensation is significantly higher when allowances are included. In comparison, the Senate President earns a basic monthly salary of ₦2.48 million, along with similar allowances. The Deputy Senate President’s earnings also compare favorably with those of other high-ranking officials, such as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who earns a basic salary of around ₦2.2 million.

However, the Deputy Senate President’s earnings are considerably higher than those of the Vice President of Nigeria, who has a basic salary of ₦1.01 million per month.

Public Perception and Criticism

The high salaries and allowances enjoyed by Nigeria’s top public officials, including the Deputy Senate President, have been a subject of public debate. Many Nigerians feel that these earnings are too high, especially when compared to the country’s minimum wage, which stands at ₦30,000 per month. Critics argue that the remuneration system in Nigeria is skewed in favor of top officials, leading to growing inequality between the political elite and ordinary citizens.

There have been calls for a review of the salaries and allowances of public officials, with some advocating for a reduction in pay to better reflect the country’s economic conditions.

Conclusion

The Deputy Senate President of Nigeria earns a basic monthly salary of ₦2.3 million, but the total compensation package, including allowances and perks, can exceed ₦8 million per month. This high compensation reflects the significant responsibilities of the office, but it has also been a source of public debate and criticism. As Nigerians continue to call for transparency and fairness in the remuneration of public officials, the salary structure of top government officials, including the Deputy Senate President, remains a key issue in national discourse.