Insight

• Ikiodiete George
• 3 Min Read

State Commissioner Salary Structure In Nigeria (2025 Official Guide)

In every Nigerian state, commissioners serve as the political heads of ministries—overseeing vital sectors such as health, education, finance, environment, works, and more. These high-ranking officials are appointed by the executive governor and play a key role in policy direction and implementation.

As of 2025, the official salary structure for state commissioners has been reviewed to align with current economic realities. Their compensation includes a basic monthly salary, a wide range of allowances, official benefits, and post-service packages.

2025 Basic Salary Structure for State Commissioners

Here’s a detailed look at the officially approved salary figures:

The basic salary is just one part of the total earnings. With allowances and benefits included, the total package can be more than double the basic figure.

🎁 What Makes Up the Total Compensation?

State commissioners enjoy a robust benefits package beyond just their monthly pay. These perks are essential for enabling their work, supporting their lifestyle, and compensating for the demands of public office.

Here’s what’s typically included:

Core Allowances

• Housing Allowance or Official Residence
• Vehicle & Transport Allowance
• Entertainment & Hospitality Allowance
• Domestic Staff Support
• Utility Support (Water, Power, Internet)
• Furniture Allowance (periodically paid)
• Duty Tour Allowance (for in-state travel)
• Estacode (for international assignments)
• Medical Allowance or sponsored healthcare (local & overseas)

Non-Cash and Fringe Benefits

Beyond monthly pay and allowances, commissioners enjoy several non-cash privileges:

• State-assigned official vehicles (usually SUVs) with chauffeurs
• Fully furnished government accommodation (where applicable)
• Security escorts and orderlies for personal protection
• Priority medical care, including access to high-level facilities
• Official travel arrangements, both domestic and international
• Administrative aides, including personal assistants and secretaries
• Post-tenure severance package or gratuity
• Pension contributions toward retirement benefits

These benefits vary slightly across states, depending on available resources and internal policies.

Role & Responsibilities of a State Commissioner

State commissioners function similarly to ministers at the federal level. Their key duties include:

• Supervising ministry departments and parastatals
• Overseeing project implementation and policy rollouts
• Managing ministry budgets and resources
• Representing the government in state and national events
• Advising the governor on technical and sector-specific issues
• Coordinating stakeholders and development partners
• Driving reform within their assigned ministries

Their responsibilities justify the structure of their compensation and the level of accountability required of them.

Why Their Salary Package Matters

The remuneration of state commissioners is designed to reflect:

• The scope of responsibility they carry
• The level of risk and exposure involved in governance
• The intensity of public engagement they handle
• The need for personal and professional security
• The importance of attracting qualified individuals to public service

In addition to promoting accountability and dignity of office, the comprehensive package helps to reduce incentives for corrupt practices by ensuring fair pay.

Consistency Across States

While the basic pay and standard allowances are guided by a unified national structure, each state may differ in:

• The quality and scale of housing or vehicles provided
• The amount of hospitality and logistics support
• The speed and frequency of allowance disbursement
• The structure of post-service benefits

However, in most states, the total compensation now falls within a similar range nationwide: ₦22 million to ₦28 million annually, combining cash and non-cash benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How much do state commissioners earn monthly in 2025?

Commissioners earn an estimated ₦850,000 per month in basic salary, with additional allowances pushing the total monthly value well beyond ₦1.5 million in most states.

Q2: Who determines commissioner salaries in Nigeria?

The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) recommends pay structures, which are then adopted by states based on budgetary capacity.

Q3: Do commissioners receive post-tenure benefits?

Yes. Most states provide a severance package, alongside pension contributions for long-serving political appointees.

Q4: Are state commissioners entitled to travel abroad at government expense?

Yes—commissioners on official assignments receive estacode payments and enjoy full sponsorship for foreign travel where relevant.

Q5: Is there any difference between states?

The core structure is consistent nationwide, but fringe benefits and logistics support may vary slightly depending on the state’s size, wealth, and internal policies.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 salary structure for state commissioners in Nigeria has evolved to reflect current realities. With an estimated ₦850,000 monthly salary, wide-ranging allowances, and non-cash benefits such as accommodation, transportation, and security, commissioners are compensated in line with their responsibilities.

Their total remuneration—ranging between ₦22 million to ₦28 million per year—positions them among the top public earners at the state level. This package helps ensure that public officials remain focused on delivering quality governance and development to their respective states.