Are you trying to understand how much a Local Government Chairman earns in Nigeria every month? You’re not alone. Many Nigerians are curious about how much elected officials at the local government level receive in salaries, allowances, and other benefits.
In this full 2025 guide, we’ll break down the official salary structure, monthly pay, allowances, and other financial perks attached to the office of a Local Government Chairman in Nigeria. Whether you’re a political aspirant, student, or just someone interested in government salaries, this article gives you all the important answers.
Who Is a Local Government Chairman in Nigeria?
A Local Government Chairman is the highest elected official in a local government area (LGA). Nigeria currently has 774 LGAs, and each one is governed by a chairman and a legislative council.
The Local Government Chairman oversees grassroots development projects, manages LGA staff, and handles allocation and implementation of government funds at the local level.
The position is very powerful within the state, as it controls both political and financial decisions in the LGA.
What Is the Official Salary of a Local Government Chairman in Nigeria?
The official salary of a Local Government Chairman in Nigeria is based on recommendations from the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). However, the salary is modest when compared to the allowances and bonuses they receive.
As of 2025, the official monthly salary for a Local Government Chairman in Nigeria is between:
₦350,000 – ₦400,000 per month (basic salary)
This may vary slightly depending on the state and internal revenue of the local government.
Allowances for Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria (2025)
While the basic salary may seem low, Local Government Chairmen earn far more through approved allowances and entitlements. These allowances are often higher than the basic pay and are paid monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Common Allowances Include:
| Allowance Type | Amount Range (₦) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Allowance | ₦800,000 – ₦2,000,000 | Yearly |
| Security Allowance | ₦500,000 – ₦1,000,000 | Monthly |
| Transport Allowance | ₦300,000 – ₦500,000 | Monthly |
| Entertainment Allowance | ₦250,000 – ₦400,000 | Monthly |
| Domestic Staff Allowance | ₦200,000 – ₦350,000 | Monthly |
| Medical Allowance | ₦400,000 – ₦600,000 | Annual or Reimbursed |
| Furniture Allowance | ₦1,000,000+ | Once in four years |
These figures are based on average estimates from local government budgets and state disbursement records. Some states provide more depending on their internal revenue.
Summary of Local Government Chairman Monthly Earnings (2025)
When you combine all the allowances with the official salary, a Local Government Chairman in Nigeria may earn:
₦1,500,000 to ₦2,500,000 monthly (including allowances)
This makes the position one of the highest paying roles at the grassroots government level.
Other Benefits and Perks of Office
Besides salaries and allowances, Local Government Chairmen enjoy several other non-monetary perks such as:
Free official car (SUV or Toyota Hilux)
Armed security escorts
Office maintenance funded by the government
Access to constituency development funds
Travel reimbursements
Protocol privileges during state events
These perks further increase the overall value of the office, making it a financially attractive position.
Is the Salary the Same in All States?
Not exactly. While the federal framework sets a base salary structure, actual earnings may differ due to:
State policies
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)
Supplementary budgets
Political party influences
States like Lagos, Rivers, Delta, and Ogun often pay more due to higher IGR and better infrastructure budgets.
Comparison: Local Government Chairman vs Councillor Salary
| Position | Monthly Salary | Monthly Allowances | Total Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Government Chairman | ₦350,000 – ₦400,000 | ₦1,000,000 – ₦2,000,000 | ₦1.5M – ₦2.5M |
| Councillor | ₦150,000 – ₦180,000 | ₦300,000 – ₦600,000 | ₦450,000 – ₦800,000 |
This table shows the huge gap between the Chairman and Councillor in terms of pay.
How Long Is the Term of a Local Government Chairman?
A Local Government Chairman serves a term of 3 years, renewable for another term (depending on the state). During this time, they earn monthly pay and allowances for the entire duration.
Is Pension Included in the Salary Structure?
Yes. Most Local Government Chairmen are entitled to gratuity and pension after leaving office, especially if they complete a full term.
The pension amount varies, but some former Chairmen receive up to ₦300,000 – ₦500,000 monthly in retirement, depending on the state.
Do Local Government Chairmen Earn Constituency Project Funds?
Yes, but this is where controversy often arises. Some chairmen have access to constituency project funds—money meant for local development. While it's not classified as personal income, misuse of these funds has been a problem in some LGAs.
How Are Salaries Funded?
The salary of a Local Government Chairman in Nigeria is funded through:
Federal allocation to LGAs
State subventions (in some cases)
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)
Each LGA receives monthly allocations from the Federation Account through the State Joint Local Government Account (SJLGA), from which salaries are paid.
Are Local Government Chairmen Overpaid?
This is a common debate. When compared to primary or secondary school teachers earning between ₦40,000 to ₦100,000 monthly, a chairman earning over ₦2 million may seem overpaid.
However, supporters argue that the chairman’s responsibilities justify the pay, especially when managing funds, security, and development for thousands of residents.
Criticisms Around Chairman Salaries in Nigeria
Critics of the current salary structure say:
It's not performance-based
Some Chairmen receive huge allowances but do little work
No salary transparency at the LGA level
Few checks on misuse of development funds
There are ongoing calls for more transparency and reforms in the salary system at the local level.
How to Become a Local Government Chairman in Nigeria
To become a chairman, you must:
Be a registered member of a political party
Win the party’s primary election
Contest and win the general election
Be sworn in by the State Government
The position requires strong grassroots connection, political backing, and financial resources.
FAQs: Local Government Chairman Salary in Nigeria
How much does a Local Government Chairman earn monthly in 2025?
Between ₦1.5 million to ₦2.5 million including allowances.
Is the salary the same in every state?
No. States with higher IGR pay more.
How long is the chairman's term?
Usually 3 years, renewable once.
Do Chairmen get pension?
Yes, most get pension or gratuity depending on the state laws.
Is it a full-time job?
Yes. The chairman is the head of administration and policy at the local level.
Final Thoughts: Is the Chairman Salary Justified?
In summary, the Local Government Chairman salary structure in Nigeria may seem modest at first glance, but the real value is in the allowances and political influence attached to the office.
While some citizens argue for a review and restructuring of the pay system to match performance and accountability, the role remains financially attractive.
If you're considering a political career at the grassroots level, becoming a Local Government Chairman is one of the most rewarding positions in terms of income and influence.