Are you trying to understand the governor official salary structure in Nigeria for 2025? You’re not alone. Many Nigerians are curious about how much a state governor really earns every month and what other benefits come with the job.
In this 2025 guide, we break down the full salary structure of Nigerian governors—official monthly pay, approved allowances, unofficial perks, and retirement benefits. If you’re a student, civil servant, or political enthusiast looking to know what governors earn, this article gives you all the facts.
What Is the Governor Official Salary Structure in Nigeria?
The governor official salary structure in Nigeria is regulated by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). This commission sets the basic salary and allowances for all elected public officers, including governors.
But what most people don’t know is that the basic salary is not where governors make most of their money. In fact, the official salary is small compared to the numerous allowances, benefits, and hidden perks governors enjoy monthly.
Governor Basic Salary per Month (2025)
According to RMAFC, the basic salary of a state governor in Nigeria is ₦2,223,705 annually, which equals around:
₦185,308 per month
This amount is the fixed basic salary and is the same across all 36 states in Nigeria, whether rich or poor.
Governor Allowances and Extra Monthly Earnings
The governor official salary structure in Nigeria includes many allowances that increase their monthly income by millions.
Here’s a breakdown of common allowances for Nigerian governors:
| Allowance Type | Monthly Value (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Domestic Staff Allowance | ₦1 million – ₦2 million |
| Entertainment Allowance | ₦500,000 – ₦1 million |
| Security Allowance | ₦1 million – ₦3 million |
| Travel and Transport | Fully covered by the state |
| Estacode (Foreign Travel) | $800 – $1,000 per day |
| Utility and Internet | ₦200,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Vehicle and Maintenance | Official cars + ₦1 million monthly |
| Accommodation | State-provided or rented home |
| Medical Allowance | Free access to health care (local or abroad) |
So, even though the basic salary is less than ₦200,000 monthly, governors end up receiving ₦5 million to ₦10 million monthly when all allowances are included.
Total Monthly Earnings: How Much Does a Governor Take Home?
Putting it all together:
Basic Salary: ₦185,308
Allowances (combined): ₦4.5 million – ₦9 million
Total Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₦5 million – ₦10 million
Some richer states (like Lagos, Rivers, Akwa Ibom) may offer even more in hidden benefits and state-funded budgets not disclosed publicly.
Hidden Perks Not Listed as Salary
Beyond allowances, there are many unofficial benefits attached to the governor official salary structure in Nigeria that don’t show up in their payslips:
1. Security Vote
Every state governor controls a "security vote"—a large amount of money allocated monthly for state security operations. In many states, this can be as high as ₦500 million monthly and is not audited.
2. Official Vehicles and Convoys
Governors use a fleet of luxury vehicles provided and maintained by the state. These include bulletproof SUVs, escort cars, and motorcycles.
3. Lodging and Government House
All state governors live in a fully furnished Government House with state-paid staff including chefs, cleaners, and security.
4. Personal Aides
Governors are entitled to multiple aides and assistants—often over 100 special assistants, advisers, and consultants paid by the state.
5. Overseas Travel
Governors often travel abroad for "official duties" funded by the state. These trips come with estacodes and first-class benefits.
Comparison with Other Public Officers
| Position | Basic Monthly Salary | Estimated Total Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| State Governor | ₦185,308 | ₦5 million – ₦10 million |
| State Commissioner | ₦130,000 | ₦1.5 million – ₦3 million |
| House of Reps Member | ₦168,866 | ₦14 million+ |
| Senator | ₦168,866 | ₦15 million+ |
| Local Government Chairman | ₦120,000 | ₦1 million – ₦2 million |
Observation: Although the official salary of a governor is smaller than a senator or rep, the total perks make it very attractive.
Retirement and Pension for Governors
Another part of the governor official salary structure in Nigeria that people don’t talk about enough is the retirement benefits.
Most states have laws that give ex-governors:
Life pension (monthly payment)
Official cars every 4 years
Personal staff and security
Houses in the state and Abuja
Medical care abroad
These packages vary by state, but are often very generous. For example, Lagos and Rivers States offer former governors houses, cars, and life-long monthly salaries.
Criticisms and Public Reactions
Many Nigerians believe that the governor official salary structure in Nigeria is too high compared to what regular civil servants or teachers earn.
Some common concerns include:
Lack of transparency in allowances
Overuse of security vote without accountability
Huge retirement packages while citizens live in poverty
Poor development despite high governor earnings
Civil societies and labour groups have called for:
Review of governors’ allowances
Removal of life pensions for ex-governors
Better balance between public service salaries
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the governor basic salary per month in Nigeria?
As of 2025, it is ₦185,308 per month. This is the same for all 36 governors.
How much does a Nigerian governor earn with all allowances?
Including allowances, a governor earns between ₦5 million and ₦10 million monthly.
Do governors get pension after leaving office?
Yes. Most states have laws that give ex-governors pensions, cars, houses, and other lifelong benefits.
Are governor salaries higher than senators?
The official basic salary is slightly higher, but senators earn more when all benefits are added.
Who sets the governor salary in Nigeria?
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) sets the salary for governors.
Final Thoughts: Governor Official Salary Structure in Nigeria (2025)
In summary, while the official salary of a Nigerian governor looks modest, the full earnings tell a different story.
The governor official salary structure in Nigeria includes basic pay, multiple allowances, hidden benefits like security vote, state-funded luxury, and even pensions for life.
If you’re comparing public offices in terms of financial benefit, a state governor remains one of the most powerful and well-funded positions in the Nigerian political system.
Still, Nigerians continue to debate whether these benefits are fair or too much in a country struggling with poverty and unemployment.