The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has disclosed the official salaries of the President of Nigeria and state governors, laying to rest long-standing speculations about the pay structure of political officeholders.
According to the commission, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria earns a monthly salary of ₦1,171,568, which amounts to ₦14,058,820 annually. In comparison, state governors receive ₦648,581 monthly, bringing their annual salary to ₦7,782,968. These figures, the commission emphasized, have remained unchanged since 2007.
Contrary to widespread public belief, RMAFC stated that political leaders in Nigeria do not receive exorbitant salaries. It explained that the misconception stems from the numerous allowances and perks attached to these offices, rather than from the core salaries themselves. In fact, the commission noted that some federal civil servants, particularly those working in strategic financial institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria, earn higher total emoluments than some ministers and lawmakers.
While the President’s basic salary remains under ₦1.5 million monthly, the position is accompanied by an array of at least 18 different allowances. These include a hardship allowance of ₦146,446 and a consistency allowance of ₦732,230, among others. Additional benefits cater to housing, domestic staff, security, medicals, foreign travel (estacodes), and other official responsibilities. These various allowances significantly boost the overall value of the office and are often misunderstood by the public as part of the monthly salary.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has embarked on official visits to at least 17 countries. These trips, the report highlighted, are fully covered by the government and include expenses for flights, accommodation, and security arrangements. According to Sahara Reporters, over ₦36.3 billion was spent on international travel in 2024 alone, with local transportation costs also running into billions of naira.
The commission’s clarification aims to provide transparency and context to the compensation structure of Nigeria’s top political officeholders, addressing misinformation and public concern over perceived excesses in government spending.
