Official Salary Structure For Commissioners In Nigeria: Average Pay Per Month

Commissioners in Nigeria play a significant role in the administration of the country, particularly at the state level. Each state in Nigeria appoints commissioners to oversee various ministries and sectors, such as health, education, finance, and agriculture, among others. These commissioners are critical in formulating and implementing policies within their respective sectors to ensure the smooth operation of the state’s governance.

The official salary structure for commissioners in Nigeria, like that of many other public officeholders, is regulated by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). This agency is responsible for determining the salaries, allowances, and other benefits of public officers, including commissioners. However, it's important to note that commissioners' salaries can vary across states depending on the financial capacity of each state government. Below is a detailed look into the salary structure and allowances for commissioners in Nigeria.

Basic Salary of Commissioners in Nigeria

The basic salary of a state commissioner in Nigeria varies but is generally lower than that of federal ministers or legislators. According to official reports, a commissioner’s annual basic salary stands at ₦1.33 million, translating to approximately ₦110,000 per month. This basic salary, while modest compared to other high-ranking officials, serves as the foundation upon which other allowances and benefits are added.

Allowances and Benefits

Just like other public officials, Nigerian commissioners receive numerous allowances and benefits in addition to their basic salary. These allowances are designed to cover the various aspects of their official responsibilities and personal upkeep. The most common allowances include:

1. Hardship Allowance

Commissioners, due to the demanding nature of their duties, are entitled to a hardship allowance. This allowance is typically 50% of their basic salary, which equates to around ₦55,000 per month. The hardship allowance is meant to compensate for the challenges they face while managing the affairs of their state ministries.

2. Constituency Allowance

Although constituency allowances are more common with federal lawmakers, some states offer constituency allowances to their commissioners. This allowance is 200% of the basic salary, amounting to ₦220,000 per month. The purpose of this allowance is to help commissioners maintain relations with the people and leaders within their respective constituencies.

3. Furniture Allowance

Commissioners in Nigeria are entitled to a furniture allowance, which is 300% of their annual basic salary. This means that every four years, commissioners receive a furniture allowance of about ₦3.99 million, or ₦332,500 monthly when broken down. This allowance is intended to help furnish their official residences.

4. Leave Allowance

Like most public officeholders, commissioners receive a leave allowance, which is 10% of their annual basic salary. This amounts to around ₦133,000 per year, paid in lump sum at the start of their leave period.

5. Vehicle Allowance

Commissioners are provided with official vehicles for their day-to-day operations. In addition to this, they also receive a vehicle maintenance allowance. This allowance is typically 75% of their annual basic salary, which amounts to approximately ₦997,500 per year or ₦83,125 per month. This allowance is meant to ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained throughout their tenure.

6. Medical Allowance

Commissioners enjoy comprehensive medical coverage that extends to their immediate families. While the exact amount allocated for medical expenses is not made public, this coverage includes access to local and international healthcare services. In some states, commissioners are entitled to special medical allowances for overseas treatment, adding another layer of benefit to their overall compensation package.

7. Accommodation

Commissioners are either provided with official residences or are given an accommodation allowance. This allowance is typically substantial, as commissioners are expected to live in areas befitting their status as public officeholders. In states like Lagos or Abuja, where the cost of living is significantly higher, accommodation allowances can range from ₦1 million to ₦2 million annually, depending on the state’s financial capability.

8. Duty Tour Allowance

Commissioners frequently travel within and outside the state on official duties. For such trips, they are entitled to a duty tour allowance (DTA), which covers their travel, accommodation, and daily expenses while on official assignments. The DTA varies depending on the state and the destination of the trip. For international trips, the allowances are significantly higher and could run into several thousands of dollars.

Total Monthly Earnings

When you factor in the various allowances and benefits, the total monthly earnings of a commissioner in Nigeria far exceed their basic salary. Here is an estimated breakdown of a commissioner’s monthly earnings:

• Basic Salary: ₦110,000
• Hardship Allowance: ₦55,000
• Constituency Allowance: ₦220,000
• Furniture Allowance (monthly breakdown): ₦332,500
• Vehicle Maintenance Allowance (monthly breakdown): ₦83,125

This brings the total estimated monthly earnings to ₦800,625, excluding other benefits like medical allowances, accommodation, and duty tour allowances. In states where additional allowances are provided, the total could rise to over ₦1 million per month.

Comparison with Other Public Officers

When compared to other public officeholders in Nigeria, the salary of commissioners is generally lower than that of federal ministers, senators, or governors. For instance, a federal minister in Nigeria earns a basic salary of ₦168,867 per month, and their total earnings (including allowances) can exceed ₦1 million per month. Governors, on the other hand, have a basic salary of ₦2.22 million annually but take home millions more in allowances, especially from security votes and other perks of office.

State legislators often earn more than commissioners due to the higher constituency and other allowances allocated to them. However, commissioners still enjoy considerable benefits, especially when their perks such as housing, medical coverage, and vehicle allowances are taken into account.

Post-Tenure Benefits for Commissioners

After their tenure, commissioners are typically entitled to severance pay, which is calculated as 300% of their annual basic salary. This amounts to ₦3.99 million, paid in a lump sum after they leave office. Additionally, some states may offer former commissioners pensions, though this practice has come under scrutiny and calls for reform.

Criticisms and Public Perception

The salary and allowances of public officers, including commissioners, have always been a subject of debate in Nigeria. Critics argue that the compensation packages for these officials are too high, especially when compared to the average Nigerian worker’s wage. With a national minimum wage of ₦30,000 per month, many Nigerians feel that the earnings of public officeholders are disproportionate to the country’s economic realities.

Moreover, the lack of transparency in the management of allowances, particularly constituency and duty tour allowances, has raised concerns about accountability. There are frequent calls for a review of the salary structure of public officers to reduce the wage bill and ensure that more resources are directed toward development projects that benefit the wider population.

Conclusion

The official salary structure for commissioners in Nigeria consists of a modest basic salary of ₦110,000 per month. However, when allowances such as hardship, constituency, and vehicle maintenance are added, their total monthly earnings can exceed ₦800,000, with some states offering additional perks that push the figure even higher. While commissioners enjoy considerable benefits, the public perception remains critical of the high remuneration packages of public officers, especially in light of Nigeria’s economic challenges.

Calls for reform continue, with many advocating for a more equitable salary structure that aligns with the realities of the average Nigerian worker.