Are you trying to understand the difference between governor and senator salary in Nigeria? You're not alone. Many Nigerians are curious to know who earns more between state governors and federal senators, especially with ongoing debates about public office earnings and national budget allocations.
In this 2025 detailed guide, we will compare governor vs senator salary in Nigeria including monthly basic pay, allowances, benefits, and why the issue continues to generate public interest. If you're interested in Nigerian politics, budgeting, or just want to know where your taxes go, this article gives you all the facts.
Governor vs Senator Salary in Nigeria: What’s the Difference?
The office of a state governor and that of a senator in Nigeria are both powerful, but their salary structure and allowances differ in several ways.
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Governors are executive leaders of their states.
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Senators are lawmakers in the National Assembly.
Let’s explore the full salary and benefit breakdown of each.
Governor Salary in Nigeria (2025 Estimate)
The official monthly salary of a sitting Nigerian governor, according to approved RMAFC (Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission) figures, is relatively modest on paper—but other hidden perks exist.
Basic Salary:
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₦2,223,705 per annum
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This breaks down to about ₦185,308 per month in official basic salary.
However, this is only a tiny part of a governor’s earnings.
Monthly Allowances and Benefits:
| Allowance Type | Estimated Monthly Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Allowance | Official cars provided by state |
| Domestic Allowance | ₦1 million – ₦3 million |
| Security Allowance | State-funded; varies by location |
| Entertainment Allowance | ₦500,000 – ₦1 million |
| Travel Allowance | Fully covered by the state |
| Estacode (foreign trips) | Up to $1000/day |
| Medical | Free treatment in Nigeria or abroad |
| Accommodation | Government lodge or housing allowance |
Other Perks:
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Pension for life (in many states)
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Multiple staff including drivers, cooks, security, and advisers
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Access to security vote (often undisclosed)
Senator Salary in Nigeria (2025 Breakdown)
Unlike governors who operate at the state level, senators are federal lawmakers representing each state in the Senate (three per state, plus one for FCT).
Although the RMAFC approved salary for senators is public, reports from investigative sources suggest senators earn much more through consolidated allowances.
Official Basic Salary:
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₦2,026,400 per annum
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That’s about ₦168,866 per month
Monthly Running Cost and Allowances:
| Item | Estimated Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Salary | ₦168,866 |
| Hardship Allowance | ₦1.2 million |
| Constituency Allowance | ₦500,000 – ₦1 million |
| Newspaper Allowance | ₦200,000 |
| Wardrobe Allowance | ₦250,000 monthly equivalent |
| Vehicle Maintenance | ₦750,000 |
| Domestic Staff Allowance | ₦300,000 |
| Entertainment Allowance | ₦250,000 |
| Utility | ₦200,000 |
| Personal Assistant Allowance | ₦150,000 |
| Monthly Total | ₦13 million – ₦15 million (including running costs) |
Bonuses:
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Each senator gets about ₦200 million yearly for constituency projects.
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Access to government contracts or lobbying deals (unofficial).
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Enjoys free travel, insurance, healthcare, and pension.
Governor vs Senator Salary: Who Earns More?
If we’re only looking at official basic salaries, a governor slightly earns more. But when all monthly allowances and running costs are added, senators receive far more money every month.
| Position | Basic Salary (Monthly) | Allowances (Monthly) | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | ₦185,308 | ₦3 million – ₦5 million+ | ~₦5 million+ |
| Senator | ₦168,866 | ₦13 million – ₦15 million | ~₦15 million+ |
Conclusion: In terms of real take-home pay and overall financial benefits, senators earn more than governors in Nigeria.
Why Senators Earn More Than Governors
1. Federal Budget Advantage
Senators control federal budgets and allocations, so they’re able to approve higher allowances under the guise of “legislative independence.”
2. Lack of Transparency
Most senators’ allowances are hidden under “running costs,” making it hard for the public to track exact figures.
3. Less Scrutiny
State governors’ budgets are debated at the state house of assembly. But senators’ allowances are often approved internally without public debate.
What Happens After Office?
Governors:
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Many Nigerian governors enjoy generous pensions and severance packages, including homes, cars, and security.
Senators:
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Senators receive gratuity at the end of tenure and sometimes lifetime pensions, depending on re-election history and legislation passed.
Public Reactions to Governor vs Senator Salary
The salary structure of public officers, especially the senators' take-home pay, has attracted criticism from:
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Civil society organizations
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Labour unions
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Youth activists
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Budget transparency groups
Calls have been made to cut down these jumbo allowances and direct more funds to education, health, and infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who earns more, a governor or a senator in Nigeria?
Senators earn more than governors when you include allowances and running costs.
What is the monthly salary of a Nigerian senator in 2025?
The basic salary is ₦168,866, but total monthly earnings can reach ₦15 million due to running costs and bonuses.
What is the monthly salary of a Nigerian governor in 2025?
Official basic salary is ₦185,308, but with allowances, a governor can earn over ₦5 million monthly.
Are governors and senators entitled to pensions?
Yes. Most governors enjoy lifelong pension packages. Senators also receive gratuities and, in some cases, pension benefits.
Why is there controversy about senators’ salaries?
Because the bulk of their earnings are hidden as "running costs" and not subject to public scrutiny.
Final Thoughts: Governor vs Senator Salary in Nigeria (2025)
When comparing governor vs senator salary in Nigeria, it’s important to go beyond the basic figures. While governors may seem more powerful on paper, senators enjoy higher monthly earnings, larger running costs, and massive yearly project allocations.
If salary and financial comfort are the focus, being a senator in Nigeria pays more than being a governor. However, both roles are prestigious, come with massive influence, and have long-term benefits beyond monthly earnings.