Salary for Nigerian President, Past Presidents, and Vice Presidents in 2025: Full Details with Complete Breakdown

Overview

The salary of the President of Nigeria, the head of state and government, is regulated by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). The president’s compensation includes a basic salary, allowances, and benefits, which are significantly higher than the basic salary alone due to additional entitlements. Salaries for past presidents and vice presidents are also governed by RMAFC, with specific provisions for former leaders under the Remuneration of Former Presidents and Heads of State (and Other Ancillary Matters) Act, 2004. Below is a detailed breakdown of the current president’s salary, historical salaries of past presidents and vice presidents, and factors influencing these earnings.

Current President’s Salary (2025)

As of 2025, the salary structure for the President of Nigeria, currently Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has not been officially increased since 2007, as confirmed by RMAFC. The following figures are based on the most recent data from RMAFC and other sources.

Basic Salary

• Annual Basic Salary: ₦3,514,705 (~₦292,892/month).
• Total Annual Salary with Allowances: ₦14,058,820 (~₦1,171,568/month).

Allowances

The president’s total compensation includes several allowances, which significantly increase the overall package:

• Hardship Allowance: 50% of basic salary, ₦1,757,350/year (~₦146,446/month).
• Constituency Allowance: 250% of basic salary, ₦8,786,762/year (~₦732,230/month).
• Leave Allowance: 10% of basic salary, ₦351,470/year (~₦29,289/month).
• Severance Gratuity: 300% of basic salary, ₦10,544,115, paid upon completion of tenure.
• Vehicle Loan: 400% of basic salary, ₦14,058,820, repayable before tenure expires.
• Other Allowances (not always publicly disclosed):
  • Furniture Allowance: 300% of basic salary, ₦10,544,115, paid once every four years.
  • Housing Allowance: 200% of basic salary, ~₦7,029,410 over four years.
  • Estacode Allowance: For international travel, varies by destination and duration (not publicly fixed).
  • Duty Tour Allowance (DTA): For official travel within Nigeria, amount not disclosed.
  • Miscellaneous Allowances: Include entertainment, utilities, newspapers, domestic staff, and personal assistants, paid monthly or as needed.

Non-Monetary Benefits

• Official Residence: Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, fully equipped with no cost to the president.
• Private Jets: Access to a fleet (e.g., Boeing 737) for domestic and international travel, maintained by the government.
• Official Vehicles: Luxury and armored vehicles, maintained by the government.
• Security: Protection by the State Security Service (SSS), Nigerian Police Force, and Armed Forces.
• Medical Care: Comprehensive healthcare, including treatment abroad, fully funded.
• State Functions: Costs for banquets and official events covered by the government.

Total Compensation

• Monthly Total: ~₦1,171,568 (basic salary + regular allowances).
• Annual Total: ~₦14,058,820 (excluding irregular allowances like estacode or DTA).
• With Perks: The overall value of the compensation package, including non-monetary benefits, is significantly higher, though exact figures for all perks are not publicly disclosed.

Note: A proposed 114% salary increase by RMAFC in June 2023, which would have raised the president’s monthly salary to ~₦2,000,000, was not approved by President Tinubu as of 2025.

Vice President’s Salary (2025)

The Vice President of Nigeria, currently Kashim Shettima, also receives a structured salary set by RMAFC.

Basic Salary

• Annual Basic Salary: ₦2,022,290 (~₦168,524/month).
• Total Annual Salary with Allowances: ₦12,126,290 (~₦1,010,524/month).

Allowances

• Hardship Allowance: 50% of basic salary, ₦1,515,786/year (~₦126,316/month).
• Constituency Allowance: 250% of basic salary, ₦7,578,931/year (~₦631,578/month).
• Leave Allowance: 10% of basic salary, ₦303,157/year (~₦25,263/month).
• Severance Gratuity: 300% of basic salary, ₦9,094,717, paid upon completion of tenure.
• Vehicle Loan: 400% of basic salary, ₦9,094,717, repayable before tenure expires.
• Other Allowances: Include furniture (300% of basic salary, ~₦6,066,870 every four years), housing, estacode, DTA, and miscellaneous (entertainment, utilities, domestic staff), similar to the president’s.

Non-Monetary Benefits

• Official Residence: Fully furnished residence in Abuja.
• Security: Protection by SSS and other agencies.
• Medical Care: Comprehensive healthcare, including treatment abroad.
• Official Vehicles: Luxury and armored vehicles, maintained by the government.
• Travel: Access to government aircraft and transport for official duties.

Total Compensation

• Monthly Total: ~₦1,010,524 (basic salary + regular allowances).
• Annual Total: ~₦12,126,290 (excluding irregular allowances).

Salaries of Past Presidents and Vice Presidents

Salaries for past presidents and vice presidents vary based on the period they served, economic conditions, and salary adjustments by RMAFC. Below is a historical overview, focusing on available data. Note that exact figures for some past leaders are unavailable due to limited public disclosure or changes in salary structures over time.

Past Presidents

1. Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023):
   • Basic Salary: ₦3,514,705/year (~₦292,892/month), reduced by 50% in 2015 to cut government expenditure.
   • Total Annual Salary: ₦14,058,820 (~₦1,171,568/month), including hardship (₦1,757,350/year), constituency (₦8,786,762/year), and leave (₦351,470/year) allowances.
   • Other Benefits: Same as current president (Aso Rock Villa, security, medical care, etc.).
   • Note: Buhari’s salary cut in 2015 set a precedent, reducing the basic salary from ~₦7,000,000/year.
2. Goodluck Jonathan (2010–2015):
   • Basic Salary: ₦7,000,000/year (₦583,333/month) before the 2015 cut.
   • Total Annual Salary: ~₦14,000,000, including allowances (hardship, constituency, leave, etc.).
   • Note: Exact allowance breakdowns are unavailable, but similar to Buhari’s post-cut structure.
3. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007–2010):
   • Basic Salary: ₦7,000,000/year (₦583,333/month), as salaries were set by RMAFC in 2007.
   • Total Annual Salary: ~₦14,000,000, including allowances.
   • Note: Limited data on specific allowances; benefits mirrored current structure.
4. Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007):
   • Basic Salary: ₦3,000,000–₦7,000,000/year (₦250,000–₦583,333/month), varying over his tenure due to economic adjustments.
   • Total Annual Salary: ~₦10,000,000–₦14,000,000, including allowances.
   • Note: Salaries were lower in the early 2000s due to weaker economic conditions; exact figures are scarce.
5. Earlier Presidents (e.g., Shehu Shagari, 1979–1983):
   • Salary Data: Limited, but salaries were significantly lower due to lower national revenue and inflation. Estimated at ₦1,000,000–₦3,000,000/year (₦83,333–₦250,000/month).
   • Note: Historical data is sparse, and allowances were less structured.

Past Vice Presidents

1. Yemi Osinbajo (2015–2023):
   • Basic Salary: ₦2,022,290/year (~₦168,524/month), reduced by 50% in 2015.
   • Total Annual Salary: ₦12,126,290 (~₦1,010,524/month), including hardship (₦1,515,786/year), constituency (₦7,578,931/year), and leave (₦303,157/year) allowances.
   • Other Benefits: Similar to current vice president (residence, security, medical care, etc.).
2. Namadi Sambo (2010–2015):
   • Basic Salary: ₦4,000,000/year (₦333,333/month) before the 2015 cut.
   • Total Annual Salary: ~₦12,000,000, including allowances.
   • Note: Limited data on specific allowances.
3. Atiku Abubakar (1999–2007):
   • Basic Salary: ₦2,000,000–₦4,000,000/year (₦166,667–₦333,333/month), varying over tenure.
   • Total Annual Salary: ~₦8,000,000–₦12,000,000, including allowances.
   • Note: Salaries increased during his tenure due to economic growth.
4. Earlier Vice Presidents (e.g., Alex Ekwueme, 1979–1983):
   • Salary Data: Estimated at ₦500,000–₦2,000,000/year (₦41,667–₦166,667/month).
   • Note: Data is limited; allowances were minimal compared to modern structures.

Former Presidents and Vice Presidents (Post-Tenure Benefits)

Under the Remuneration of Former Presidents and Heads of State (and Other Ancillary Matters) Act, 2004, former presidents and vice presidents receive ongoing benefits:

• Former Presidents:
  • Monthly Upkeep Allowance: ₦350,000.
  • Office and Residence: Fully furnished office and five-bedroom house in a location of choice.
  • Staff: Chief Administrative Officer, Personal Secretary (Grade Level 12), paid by the government.
  • Security: 3–4 armed police officers and one SSS officer (Grade Level 10) for life.
  • Other Benefits: 30 days annual vacation, medical care abroad, and franked mail privileges.
  • Family Support: Families of deceased former presidents receive ₦1,000,000/year (₦250,000/quarter).
• Former Vice Presidents:
  • Monthly Upkeep Allowance: ₦250,000.
  • Office and Residence: Fully furnished office and three-bedroom house.
  • Staff: Chief Administrative Officer, Personal Secretary (Grade Level 10), paid by the government.
  • Security: One SSS officer (Grade Level 8) for life.
  • Other Benefits: 30 days annual vacation, medical care abroad.
  • Family Support: Families of deceased former vice presidents receive ₦750,000/year (₦187,500/quarter).
• Note: Spouses of deceased former leaders lose entitlements if they remarry.

Factors Influencing Salaries

1. RMAFC Regulations: Salaries and allowances are fixed by RMAFC, unchanged since 2007, with periodic reviews proposed but not always approved.
2. Economic Conditions: Inflation (e.g., 214% from 2007–2022) erodes real value, prompting calls for salary adjustments.
3. Public Sentiment: High salaries spark debates, with critics arguing for reductions to address poverty and governance costs.
4. Allowances and Perks: Non-monetary benefits (e.g., Aso Rock Villa, private jets) significantly enhance compensation.
5. Historical Context: Salary cuts (e.g., Buhari’s 50% reduction in 2015) and economic policies affect historical figures.
6. Comparison to Other Roles:
   • Governors: ₦7,782,968/year (₦648,581/month).
   • Ministers: <₦1,000,000/month.
   • Senators: ~₦1,063,860/month (plus allowances).

Controversies and Public Perception

• Public Criticism: Many Nigerians view the president’s salary and benefits as excessive, given widespread poverty and a minimum wage of ₦70,000/month in 2025.
• Proposed Increases: The 114% increase proposed in 2023 was rejected due to public backlash and economic challenges.
• Transparency: Calls for clearer disclosure of allowances and perks persist, as some figures (e.g., estacode, DTA) are not public.
• Comparison to Global Standards: The Nigerian president’s salary (~$8,400/year at ₦1,700/$) is modest compared to the U.S. ($400,000/year) or Germany (€350,000/year), but high relative to Nigeria’s minimum wage (123 times higher).

Notes

• Salaries are gross figures before tax and deductions. Net salaries vary based on deductions.
• Data is sourced from RMAFC, Pulse Nigeria, Glassdoor, Nigerian Finder, and other platforms, reflecting 2024–2025 trends.
• Outliers (e.g., ₦8,625,000/month or ₦2,050,000/month) in some sources likely reflect errors or inclusion of unofficial perks.
• Historical salaries for earlier presidents/vice presidents (pre-1999) are estimates due to limited public data.
• Exchange rates used: 1 NGN = 0.00059 USD (as of 2025). Check current rates for accuracy.

For further details, explore platforms like RMAFC, Pulse Nigeria, Glassdoor, or Nigerian Finder.