Every Nigerian state has its own State House of Assembly, which serves as the legislative arm of the State Government (SG). These lawmakers are essential in making state laws, approving budgets, and providing checks and balances on the executive arm of the state.
This blog post breaks down the official salaries, levels, and allowance structure of SG legislators across Nigeria in 2025, based on official figures from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), while also revealing estimated real earnings.
Structure of the SG Legislature in Nigeria
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Unicameral System (only one chamber)
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Members are elected from various constituencies within the state
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The number of members varies by state but typically ranges between 24 to 40
Key Positions in the State Assembly
| Rank/Title | Function |
|---|---|
| Speaker | Presiding officer and highest-ranking lawmaker |
| Deputy Speaker | Assists the Speaker |
| Majority Leader | Coordinates the ruling party in the Assembly |
| Minority Leader | Leads the opposition members |
| Chief Whip | Maintains discipline among party members |
| Members | Elected representatives of state constituencies |
Official Salaries of SG Legislators (2025)
Despite public perception, official basic salaries for state lawmakers are relatively modest, with the bulk of earnings coming from allowances.
1. Speaker of State House of Assembly
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Annual Basic Salary: ₦2,490,000
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Monthly Basic Salary: ₦207,500
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Total Official Earnings (with allowances): ₦8 million – ₦15 million/year
2. Deputy Speaker
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Annual Basic Salary: ₦2,295,000
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Monthly Basic Salary: ₦191,250
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Total Earnings (with allowances): ₦7 million – ₦12 million/year
3. Other Principal Officers (Majority Leader, Chief Whip, etc.)
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Annual Basic Salary: ₦2,100,000
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Monthly Basic Salary: ₦175,000
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Estimated Total Earnings: ₦6 million – ₦10 million/year
4. Regular Members
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Annual Basic Salary: ₦1,980,000
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Monthly Basic Salary: ₦165,000
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Total Estimated Earnings (with allowances): ₦5 million – ₦9 million/year
Allowance Structure for SG Legislators in 2025
Allowances make up over 70% of total earnings for state lawmakers. The structure is typically consistent across states with slight variations.
| Allowance Type | Frequency | Estimated Amount (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation Allowance | Annual | ₦2 million – ₦4 million |
| Furniture Allowance | Once in 4 years | 300% of annual salary |
| Constituency Allowance | Annual | ₦5 million – ₦20 million |
| Vehicle Maintenance/Fuel | Monthly | ₦200,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Domestic Staff Allowance | Monthly | ₦150,000 – ₦300,000 |
| Entertainment | Monthly | ₦100,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Utilities Allowance | Monthly | ₦50,000 – ₦100,000 |
| Leave Allowance | Annual | 10% of annual salary |
| Recess Allowance | Quarterly | ₦200,000 – ₦400,000 |
| Travel & Duty Tour Allowance | Per Trip | ₦30,000 – ₦80,000/day |
Sample Monthly Take-Home Pay (2025 Estimate)
| Category | Speaker | Regular Member |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Salary | ₦207,500 | ₦165,000 |
| Vehicle Maintenance | ₦500,000 | ₦300,000 |
| Entertainment | ₦250,000 | ₦150,000 |
| Utilities | ₦100,000 | ₦50,000 |
| Domestic Staff | ₦300,000 | ₦200,000 |
| Monthly Total | ₦1.35 million – ₦1.5 million | ₦850k – ₦1 million |
Non-Monetary Benefits
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Official SUVs or state-provided vehicles
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Health coverage (local and international)
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Security escorts (Speaker and top officers)
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VIP protocol at events
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Access to special constituency development funds
Controversies & Criticisms
Though official salaries appear modest, the constituency allowance and project funds often increase the actual earnings by millions of naira yearly, leading to calls for greater transparency and reform. Many critics argue that the returns do not justify the cost of maintaining state assemblies.
FAQs on SG Legislators’ Salary Structure
Q1: Who pays SG legislators?
A: Each state government pays its lawmakers through budget allocations approved by the State Assembly itself.
Q2: Is the salary the same in every state?
A: Basic salaries are fairly uniform nationwide, but allowances may vary slightly depending on the state’s financial standing.
Q3: Do state lawmakers receive pensions?
A: Not all states offer pensions. Some states have passed controversial laws granting lifetime pensions to ex-lawmakers and speakers.
Q4: Do they receive constituency project funds directly?
A: Not always directly, but legislators influence how these funds are awarded, leading to debates over mismanagement and lack of accountability.
Q5: How often are lawmakers paid?
A: They receive salaries and allowances monthly, while some benefits (like furniture and constituency funds) are paid quarterly or annually.
Conclusion
While the official basic salary of SG legislators in Nigeria appears modest, the allowances and hidden benefitssignificantly increase their total earnings. In 2025, the calls for transparency, performance-based rewards, and reduced cost of governance continue to grow louder among citizens.
As economic challenges persist, Nigerians are increasingly focused on how much of public funds go into running the legislative arm at the state level—and whether the return on investment is worth it.
