Many Nigerians are curious about how much lawmakers earn, especially members of the House of Representatives. Their monthly income is one of the most talked-about topics when it comes to government salaries in Nigeria. Whether you're a student, job seeker, political analyst, or just someone concerned about national spending, this post will guide you through everything you need to know.
We’ll break down the House of Representatives member salary per month in Nigeria (2025), including their allowances, bonuses, and total benefits.
What Is the Official House of Representatives Member Salary Per Month in Nigeria?
In 2025, the basic monthly salary of a House of Representatives member in Nigeria is ₦165,434. But this is only the beginning. That figure doesn’t include the multiple allowances and benefits attached to the position.
Here’s the structure:
Basic monthly salary: ₦165,434
Annual basic salary: ₦1,985,212
Total monthly income (with allowances): Ranges between ₦800,000 to ₦1.2 million or more
The basic salary may look modest, but the real money comes from allowances and other entitlements.
Full Breakdown of Monthly Allowances
The biggest part of the House of Representatives member salary per month in Nigeria comes from various allowances. These allowances are meant to cover things like accommodation, transportation, domestic staff, and office upkeep.
Here are the most common allowances:
| Allowance Type | Estimated Monthly Value (₦) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle/Maintenance | 200,000 – 400,000 | For fueling, servicing, and maintaining official cars |
| Domestic Staff Allowance | 150,000 – 250,000 | For paying drivers, cooks, cleaners |
| Constituency Allowance | Up to 1,000,000 (quarterly) | For constituency visits and local office expenses |
| Utility Bills | 50,000 – 100,000 | Covers electricity, internet, water, etc. |
| Newspapers/Stationery | 30,000 – 50,000 | To stay informed and run office tasks |
| Wardrobe Allowance | Paid once annually | For official clothing and appearances |
Note: These figures may vary slightly based on internal decisions, party roles, or committee positions.
Total Estimated Take-Home Pay
Putting it all together, here’s a rough estimate of the total take-home salary a House of Representatives member might receive per month:
Basic salary: ₦165,434
Average monthly allowances: ₦850,000
Total monthly pay: Between ₦1,000,000 and ₦1,300,000
In many cases, lawmakers also receive quarterly payments and one-time allowances for vehicles, furniture, and severance packages.
Are There One-Time Allowances?
Yes. In addition to monthly earnings, lawmakers receive one-time payments during their 4-year term:
Furniture Allowance: Paid once every 4 years – up to ₦6 million
Vehicle Allowance: Provided based on official car needs – can go up to ₦8 million
Severance Package: Paid after leaving office – usually 300% of basic salary
These figures often create debates because they are usually not tied to performance or attendance.
Is House of Representatives Member Salary Higher Than That of a Senator?
No. While House of Reps members earn well, Senators earn more.
A Senator in Nigeria may take home up to ₦2 million to ₦2.5 million per month, while a Rep earns between ₦1 million and ₦1.3 million monthly. The difference lies mostly in the committee roles, seniority, and Senate-specific allowances.
Why Are House of Reps Salaries So Controversial?
Many Nigerians believe lawmakers earn too much, especially compared to teachers, doctors, and civil servants. The controversy around House of Representatives member salary per month in Nigeria comes from:
Lack of transparency in full earnings
Irregular disclosure of quarterly and yearly allowances
Wide gap between elected officials and average citizens
Extra income from committee chair positions or political connections
Some civil society groups and economists argue that the Nigerian government spends too much on the legislature compared to its budget size.
What Other Benefits Do House of Reps Members Get?
Besides salary and allowances, there are other perks:
Free access to public medical care
Access to foreign trips and sponsored travels
Official vehicles and drivers
Priority for political appointments after tenure
Special security provided by the State
All these are included in their status as elected federal lawmakers.
How Does This Salary Compare With Other Government Jobs?
Here's how House of Representatives member salary per month in Nigeria compares with other government workers:
| Position | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|
| House of Reps Member | ₦1 million – ₦1.3 million |
| Senator | ₦2 million – ₦2.5 million |
| Level 12 Federal Civil Servant | ₦150,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Federal High Court Judge | ₦750,000 – ₦1 million |
| Senior University Lecturer | ₦450,000 – ₦700,000 |
This table clearly shows why many Nigerians question the fairness of current salary structures.
How Long Do Reps Members Earn This Salary?
As long as they remain elected into the House of Representatives, they continue to receive the full salary and benefits.
A single tenure lasts 4 years
If re-elected, they continue earning uninterrupted
If impeached or suspended, payments may be stopped
Even after they leave office, they receive severance pay, and sometimes pensions if they complete multiple terms.
What Determines Their Earnings?
The amount a House of Representatives member earns per month depends on:
RMAFC Regulations – The body that sets public officials’ salaries
Committee Role – Members chairing committees may get extra pay
Seniority – Older members may have more influence
Political Party Decisions – Party-sponsored benefits may apply
Regional Differences – Though unlikely, states sometimes provide additional support
Can Their Salaries Be Reduced?
Technically yes, but only if:
The National Assembly passes a new salary structure
RMAFC officially reduces public office pay
The lawmakers agree voluntarily to a pay cut
A new law is enacted to restructure government salary spending
So far, despite public calls, salary reductions have not happened.
FAQs: House of Representatives Member Salary in Nigeria
Q1: Do Reps members pay tax on their salaries?
Yes, like every public worker, they are expected to pay tax based on the PAYE structure.
Q2: Can a Rep earn money outside government salary?
Yes, as long as it doesn't conflict with their public role.
Q3: Is constituency allowance part of their salary?
Technically, no. It's meant for their constituency projects but is still paid to them.
Q4: How many House of Reps members are there?
There are 360 members representing constituencies across Nigeria.
Q5: Can they earn pension after office?
Only if they complete multiple tenures and fall under the defined criteria.
Final Thoughts: What You Should Know
The House of Representatives member salary per month in Nigeria is a combination of basic pay, allowances, and other benefits. While the official basic salary seems modest, the actual monthly take-home is over ₦1 million.
For a country where the minimum wage is ₦30,000, this has become a point of national debate. Some people see it as too high, while others believe it's necessary to maintain the dignity of national lawmakers.
Understanding this salary breakdown helps Nigerians know where public funds go and demand accountability. Whether you're voting, studying governance, or simply learning, knowing what lawmakers earn is important in building a transparent system.