In Nigeria, state governors and their deputies play a vital role in steering the affairs of their states, implementing policies, and representing the people’s interests. Beyond the political prestige, these offices come with official salaries and a range of allowances that significantly boost their earnings. While their basic salaries may appear modest, the perks and benefits attached to the positions make them among the highest-paid public officials in the country.
Governor’s Salary and Allowances
A serving governor in Nigeria earns a basic annual salary of ₦2,223,705, which translates to about ₦185,308 per month. However, the real financial benefits come from the allowances and bonuses attached to the office. These include:
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Annual Leave Allowance: ₦222,370
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Vehicle Loan/Allowance: 400% of the annual basic salary (about ₦8.9 million)
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End-of-Tenure Gratuity: ₦6,671,115
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Other Benefits: Housing allowance, furniture allowance, security vote, medical benefits, entertainment allowance, estacode, and duty tour allowances.
When combined, the governor’s total annual package stands at around ₦11.54 million based on core allowances, but with additional benefits, the total compensation often ranges between ₦40 million and ₦50 million annually.
Deputy Governor’s Salary and Allowances
The deputy governor’s basic annual salary is ₦2,112,215. Like the governor, the deputy also enjoys several allowances:
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Leave Allowance: ₦211,221
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Vehicle Loan/Allowance: ₦8,448,860 (400% of basic salary)
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Other Benefits: Housing allowance, furniture allowance, estacode, utility allowance, and medical benefits.
This brings the deputy governor’s total estimated annual compensation to about ₦10.77 million on a baseline level, but with extra perks, the figure can rise to ₦30 million–₦40 million annually.
Comparison Table: Governor vs. Deputy Governor
| Position | Annual Basic Salary | Key Allowances & Benefits | Estimated Total Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | ₦2.22 million | Leave, vehicle loan, gratuity, housing, security, estacode, medical, etc. | ₦11.54 million baseline; ₦40–₦50 million with full benefits |
| Deputy Governor | ₦2.11 million | Leave, vehicle loan, housing, estacode, medical, etc. | ₦10.77 million baseline; ₦30–₦40 million with full benefits |
Final Thoughts
While the statutory salaries of governors and deputy governors might look modest compared to the weight of their responsibilities, the allowances and fringe benefits attached to these offices make them financially rewarding. These packages not only cover personal needs but also ensure the smooth running of their offices and official duties.
