Highest Salary Earners in Nigeria Government 2025: Full Details with Complete Breakdown

Overview

The Nigerian government employs a vast workforce, but the highest salary earners are typically senior elected officials, appointed executives, and judicial officers. Salaries and allowances are structured by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), established under Section 153 of the Nigerian Constitution to ensure equitable remuneration for public officeholders. The current salary structure, effective since July 1, 2009, has remained unchanged since 2007 due to economic constraints and public opposition to salary increases. High earners include the President, Vice President, Governors, Senate President, Chief Justice of Nigeria, and heads of key agencies like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Their compensation comprises modest basic salaries, significant allowances, loans, non-monetized benefits, and, in some cases, discretionary funds like security votes. This analysis provides a detailed breakdown of the top earners’ salaries, allowances, benefits, and influencing factors, reflecting 2025 data and economic conditions.

Top Highest Salary Earners

The following roles are among the highest salary earners in the Nigerian government, ranked by total annual compensation (basic salary + regular allowances). Figures are based on RMAFC data unless otherwise stated, with estimates for non-monetized benefits and discretionary funds where applicable.

1. President of Nigeria

• Role: Head of State and Government, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, responsible for national policy, budget implementation, and international relations.
• Basic Salary: ₦1,405,882/month (~₦16,870,584/year).
• Total Annual Salary (with Regular Allowances): ₦14,058,820/year (~₦1,171,568/month).
  • Hardship Allowance: 50% of basic salary = ₦702,941/month (~₦8,435,292/year).
  • Constituency Allowance: 100% of basic salary = ₦1,405,882/month (~₦16,870,584/year).
  • Other Allowances: Include utilities, entertainment, security, and vehicle maintenance.
• Irregular Allowances:
  • Annual Leave Allowance: 10% of basic salary = ₦140,588/year (~₦11,716/month if spread monthly).
  • Severance Gratuity: 300% of basic salary = ₦4,217,646, paid once at the end of a four-year term.
• Loans:
  • Motor Vehicle Loan: 400% of basic salary = ₦5,623,528, repayable over the term.
• Non-Monetized Benefits:
  • Official residence (Aso Rock Villa), fully furnished and maintained.
  • Comprehensive healthcare, including international treatment.
  • Security detail, including personnel and vehicles.
  • Official vehicles (e.g., bulletproof SUVs) and aircraft (Presidential Air Fleet).
  • Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) for local travel, no fixed limit.
  • Estacode Allowance for international trips, paid in USD (e.g., $900/night per X posts).
  • Staff (aides, advisers) salaries covered by the state.
  • Pension: Lifelong pension, often including residences and vehicles in some states.
• Security Vote: Discretionary fund, estimated at ₦100 million–₦1 billion/month in some contexts, though not officially part of salary (Kashgain.net, 2024).
• Total Monthly Compensation (Estimate): ₦1,171,568–₦5,000,000, depending on discretionary allowances and benefits.
• Source: RMAFC, Clacified.com (2025), Legit.ng (2025), bscholarly.com (2024).

2. Vice President of Nigeria

• Role: Deputy to the President, chairs the National Economic Council, and assumes presidential duties if needed.
• Basic Salary: ₦1,010,524/month (~₦12,126,290/year).
• Total Annual Salary (with Regular Allowances): ₦12,126,290/year (~₦1,010,524/month).
  • Hardship Allowance: 50% of basic salary = ₦505,262/month (~₦6,063,144/year).
  • Constituency Allowance: 100% of basic salary = ₦1,010,524/month (~₦12,126,290/year).
• Irregular Allowances:
  • Annual Leave Allowance: 10% of basic salary = ₦101,052/year (~₦8,421/month if spread monthly).
  • Severance Gratuity: 300% of basic salary = ₦3,031,572, paid at term’s end.
• Loans:
  • Motor Vehicle Loan: 400% of basic salary = ₦4,042,096, repayable over the term.
• Non-Monetized Benefits: Similar to the President, including official residence, healthcare, security, vehicles, DTA, estacode ($900/night), staff, and pension.
• Total Monthly Compensation (Estimate): ₦1,010,524–₦2,500,000, depending on allowances.
• Source: RMAFC, Punch (2018), Clacified.com (2025).

3. Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)

• Role: Head of the Judiciary, chairs the Supreme Court and National Judicial Council, ensures judicial independence.
• Basic Salary: ₦1,000,000–₦1,200,000/month (~₦12,000,000–₦14,400,000/year, exact figure varies by source).
• Total Annual Salary (with Regular Allowances): ₦15,000,000–₦20,000,000/year (~₦1,250,000–₦1,666,667/month).
  • Hardship Allowance: ~50% of basic salary = ₦500,000–₦600,000/month.
  • Judicial Allowance: Varies, estimated at ₦200,000–₦400,000/month.
  • Other Allowances: Include utilities, robes, and security.
• Irregular Allowances:
  • Annual Leave Allowance: ~10% of basic salary = ₦100,000–₦120,000/year.
  • Severance Gratuity: ~300% of basic salary = ₦3,000,000–₦3,600,000, paid at retirement.
• Non-Monetized Benefits:
  • Official residence, maintained by the state.
  • Comprehensive healthcare and security.
  • Official vehicles and drivers.
  • Estacode Allowance: $2,000/night for international trips (X posts).
  • Staff (clerks, aides) paid by the state.
  • Pension: Lifelong, including benefits like vehicles and housing in some cases.
• Total Monthly Compensation (Estimate): ₦1,250,000–₦3,000,000, including allowances and benefits.
• Source: RMAFC, Kashgain.net (2024), X posts.

4. Senate President

• Role: Head of the Nigerian Senate, chairs legislative sessions, represents the Senate nationally and internationally.
• Basic Salary: ₦207,020/month (~₦2,484,242.50/year).
• Total Annual Salary (with Regular Allowances): ₦12,766,320/year (~₦1,063,860/month).
  • Hardship Allowance: 50% of basic salary = ₦103,510/month (~₦1,242,120/year).
  • Constituency Allowance: 100% of basic salary = ₦207,020/month (~₦2,484,240/year).
  • Other Allowances: Include furniture (300% of basic salary = ₦621,060, paid every four years), vehicle maintenance, and utilities.
• Irregular Allowances:
  • Annual Leave Allowance: 10% of basic salary = ₦20,702/year (~₦1,725/month if spread monthly).
  • Severance Gratuity: 300% of basic salary = ₦621,060, paid at term’s end.
• Loans:
  • Motor Vehicle Loan: 400% of basic salary = ₦828,080, repayable over the term.
• Non-Monetized Benefits:
  • Official residence in Abuja.
  • Healthcare, security, and official vehicles.
  • DTA and estacode ($900/night per X posts).
  • Staff (aides, legislative assistants) paid by the state.
  • Pension: Lifelong, often including benefits like housing.
• Total Monthly Compensation (Estimate): ₦1,063,860–₦2,500,000, depending on allowances and benefits.
• Source: RMAFC, Clacified.com (2025), bscholarly.com (2024).

5. State Governors

• Role: Chief executives of Nigeria’s 36 states, responsible for state policies, budgets, and development.
• Basic Salary: ₦185,308/month (~₦2,223,705/year).
• Total Annual Salary (with Regular Allowances): ₦7,782,967.50/year (~₦648,580.62/month).
  • Hardship Allowance: 50% of basic salary = ₦92,654/month (~₦1,111,852.50/year).
  • Constituency Allowance: 100% of basic salary = ₦185,308/month (~₦2,223,100/year).
• Irregular Allowances:
  • Annual Leave Allowance: 10% of basic salary = ₦18,531/month (~₦222,370.50/year).
  • Severance Gratuity: 300% of basic salary = ₦6,671,115, paid at term’s end.
• Loans:
  • Motor Vehicle Loan: 400% of basic salary = ₦8,894,820, repayable over the term.
• Non-Monetized Benefits:
  • Official governor’s residence, fully furnished.
  • Healthcare, security, and official vehicles (e.g., SUV convoys).
  • DTA and estacode ($900/night per X posts).
  • Staff (aides, advisers) paid by the state.
  • Pension: Varies by state, often lifelong with benefits like housing.
  • Security Vote: Estimated at ₦100 million–₦1 billion/month, discretionary and controversial (Kashgain.net, 2024).
• Total Monthly Compensation (Estimate): ₦648,580.62–₦5,000,000, depending on security votes and allowances.
• Source: RMAFC, Legit.ng (2025), Kashgain.net (2024).

6. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor

• Role: Oversees monetary policy, regulates the banking sector, and ensures financial stability.
• Basic Salary: Not publicly disclosed by RMAFC, but estimated at ₦2,000,000–₦3,000,000/month (~₦24,000,000–₦36,000,000/year).
• Total Annual Salary (with Allowances): Estimated at ₦29,762,544/year (~₦2,480,212/month) per Silicon Africa (2024).
• Allowances:
  • Performance Bonuses: Varies, reportedly significant.
  • Estacode: $900/night for international trips (X posts).
  • Other Allowances: Include housing, transport, and security, though specifics are undisclosed.
• Non-Monetized Benefits:
  • Official residence and vehicles.
  • Comprehensive healthcare and security.
  • Staff and pension benefits.
• Total Monthly Compensation (Estimate): ₦2,480,212–₦5,000,000, including allowances and benefits.
• Source: Silicon Africa (2024), X posts.

7. Ministers

• Role: Head federal ministries, implement government policies, and advise the President.
• Basic Salary: ₦166,667/month (~₦2,000,000/year).
• Total Annual Salary (with Regular Allowances): ₦7,801,640/year (~₦650,136/month).
  • Hardship Allowance: 50% of basic salary = ₦83,333/month (~₦1,000,000/year).
  • Constituency Allowance: 100% of basic salary = ₦166,667/month (~₦2,000,000/year).
• Irregular Allowances:
  • Annual Leave Allowance: 10% of basic salary = ₦16,667/month (~₦200,000/year).
  • Severance Gratuity: 300% of basic salary = ₦500,000, paid at term’s end.
• Loans:
  • Motor Vehicle Loan: 400% of basic salary = ₦666,668, repayable over the term.
• Non-Monetized Benefits:
  • Official residence or housing allowance.
  • Healthcare, security, and official vehicles.
  • DTA and estacode ($900/night per X posts).
  • Staff and pension benefits.
• Total Monthly Compensation (Estimate): ₦650,136–₦1,500,000, depending on allowances.
• Source: RMAFC, Clacified.com (2025), bscholarly.com (2024).

8. Justices of the Supreme Court

• Role: Adjudicate appeals and constitutional matters, uphold judicial integrity.
• Basic Salary: ₦800,000–₦1,000,000/month (~₦9,600,000–₦12,000,000/year).
• Total Annual Salary (with Allowances): ₦12,000,000–₦15,000,000/year (~₦1,000,000–₦1,250,000/month).
  • Hardship Allowance: ~50% of basic salary = ₦400,000–₦500,000/month.
  • Judicial Allowance: ~₦100,000–₦200,000/month.
• Irregular Allowances:
  • Annual Leave Allowance: ~10% of basic salary = ₦80,000–₦100,000/year.
  • Severance Gratuity: ~300% of basic salary = ₦2,400,000–₦3,000,000, paid at retirement.
• Non-Monetized Benefits:
  • Official residence, healthcare, security, vehicles.
  • Estacode: $1,300/night (X posts).
  • Staff and pension benefits.
• Total Monthly Compensation (Estimate): ₦1,000,000–₦2,000,000.
• Source: RMAFC, Kashgain.net (2024), X posts.

9. Heads of Key Agencies (e.g., NNPC, NIMASA)

• Role: Manage parastatals like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) or Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
• Basic Salary: ₦500,000–₦1,000,000/month (~₦6,000,000–₦12,000,000/year), varies by agency.
• Total Annual Salary (with Allowances): ₦10,000,000–₦30,000,000/year (~₦833,333–₦2,500,000/month).
  • NNPC Example: Sales managers earn ₦286,000/month, while senior roles may exceed ₦1,000,000/month (Legit.ng, 2021).
  • NIMASA Example: Entry-level salaries at ₦240,000/month, senior roles up to ₦1,000,000/month (Legit.ng, 2021).
• Allowances: Include housing, transport, and performance bonuses.
• Non-Monetized Benefits:
  • Official residence, vehicles, healthcare, security.
  • Estacode: $900/night for Directors-General (X posts).
  • Staff and pension benefits.
• Total Monthly Compensation (Estimate): ₦833,333–₦5,000,000, depending on agency.
• Source: Legit.ng (2021), Kashgain.net (2024).

Salary Distribution and Comparison

• Median Salary (Public Sector): ₦406,760/month (~₦4,881,120/year), per InquireSalary (2025).
• Highest Earners’ Range: ₦648,580.62–₦5,000,000/month (~₦7,782,967.50–₦60,000,000/year), including discretionary funds.
• Lowest Earners (Entry-Level Civil Servants): ₦18,000–₦50,000/month (~₦216,000–₦600,000/year).
• Comparison with Private Sector:
  • Private sector executives (e.g., CEOs of MTN, Zenith Bank) earn significantly more, with salaries like ₦850 million/year (MTN CEO, 2022).
  • Public sector salaries are modest but supplemented by allowances and benefits, making total compensation competitive for top roles.
• Percentiles (Public Sector, Kashgain.net, 2024):
  • 25th percentile: ₦60,000–₦100,000/month (officers).
  • 75th percentile: ₦120,000–₦300,000/month (senior management).
  • 90th percentile: ₦650,136–₦5,000,000/month (top officials).

Factors Influencing Salaries

1. RMAFC Regulations: Salaries are fixed by RMAFC, unchanged since 2007, requiring National Assembly approval for reviews (InquireSalary, 2025).
2. Role and Responsibility: Higher responsibilities (e.g., President, CJN) attract larger allowances and benefits.
3. Allowances and Benefits: Allowances (e.g., hardship, constituency) and non-monetized benefits (e.g., residences, security) significantly boost total compensation.
4. Discretionary Funds: Security votes for governors and estacode for top officials vary widely, impacting total earnings (Kashgain.net, 2024).
5. Economic Conditions: Inflation (1 NGN = 0.00059 USD in 2025) erodes real income, prompting calls for salary reviews (ICIR, 2023).
6. Agency Revenue: Heads of revenue-generating agencies (e.g., NNPC, NIMASA) may receive higher allowances due to their economic importance.
7. Public Perception: Opposition to salary increases limits adjustments, as seen in the stalled 114% increase proposal in 2023 (ICIR, 2023).

Controversies and Public Perception

• Perception: High earners are often criticized for “jumbo pay” due to lavish lifestyles, despite RMAFC’s claim of modest salaries (Legit.ng, 2025). RMAFC Chairman Muhammed Shehu in 2023 stated, “It is not true that people are getting jumbo salaries”.
• Controversies:
  • Security Votes: Lack of transparency in governors’ security votes (₦100 million–₦1 billion/month) fuels allegations of misuse (Kashgain.net, 2024).
  • Estacode Abuse: High estacode rates (e.g., $2,000/night for CJN) are criticized as excessive (X posts).
  • Pension Laws: Generous pensions for ex-governors (e.g., lifelong housing) are seen as unsustainable (Legit.ng, 2022).
  • Cost of Governance: Excessive aides and convoys inflate governance costs, drawing public ire (ICIR, 2023).
• Transparency Efforts: Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s 2017 payslip disclosure (₦470,521.74/month net) set a precedent, but few officials follow suit.
• Public Demands: Calls for full salary disclosures and audits of discretionary funds persist (Kashgain.net, 2024).

Salary Progression

• Tenure: Most roles have fixed salaries with no progression during tenure, except for agency heads with performance bonuses.
• Career Path: Top officials often transition to private sector roles or retain influence post-tenure (e.g., ex-governors as senators).
• Pensions: Lifelong pensions, often including benefits like housing and vehicles, ensure financial security post-tenure.
• Increments: No regular increments since 2007, though ad-hoc reviews are proposed every five years (InquireSalary, 2025).

Job Market Insights

• Demand: Limited positions (e.g., 1 President, 36 Governors, 1 CJN), filled via elections or appointments. High competition exists for political and agency roles.
• Requirements:
  • Elected Officials: Nigerian citizenship, minimum age (e.g., 35 for governors), party sponsorship, and education (SSCE minimum) per the Constitution.
  • Judicial Officers: Legal qualifications, 10–15 years of experience, and appointment by the President/Senate.
  • Agency Heads: Advanced degrees, extensive experience, and political appointments.
• Work Conditions: High-pressure roles with 24/7 responsibilities, security risks, and public scrutiny. Frequent travel, both local and international.
• Challenges:
  • Economic instability reduces real income (1 NGN = 0.00059 USD in 2025).
  • High public expectations for transparency and performance.
  • Security threats in some regions increase reliance on discretionary funds.

Strategies to Optimize Earnings

1. Maximize Allowances: Leverage frequent official travel for DTA and estacode.
2. Secure Agency Roles: Target high-revenue agencies (e.g., NIMASA, NNPC) for better allowances.
3. Build Political Networks: Political affiliations enhance appointment prospects for high-paying roles.
4. Advocate for Reforms: Support salary reviews to adjust for inflation, though politically sensitive.
5. Ensure Transparency: Public disclosure may reduce scrutiny and build trust, as per Kaduna’s example.

Notes

• Salary Figures: Gross, before tax deductions. Net salaries vary (e.g., Kaduna Governor’s net ₦470,521.74/month in 2017).
• Sources: RMAFC, Legit.ng (2025), Clacified.com (2025), Kashgain.net (2024), InquireSalary (2025), bscholarly.com (2024), Silicon Africa (2024), X posts.
• Outliers: Claims of ₦350 million/year for the CBN Governor (X post, 2025) are unverifiable and likely include benefits, not basic salary.
• Economic Context: Inflation and devaluation reduce real income (e.g., ₦1,171,568/month for the President = ~$690 USD in 2025). Public sector salaries are modest compared to private sector CEOs (e.g., ₦850 million/year at MTN).
• Limitations: Exact figures for discretionary funds (e.g., security votes) and non-monetized benefits are estimates, as official data is limited. X posts provide sentiment but are inconclusive.