See how much President Tinubu really earns in Office

For years, Nigerians have speculated about the hefty salaries earned by elected officials.

Citizens facing economic hardship have also voiced their frustration about the high cost of governance. However, the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Muhammed Shehu, has challenged this widely held belief. According to him, political office holders in Nigeria, especially the President, do not earn the “jumbo salaries” the public assumes.

So how much does President Bola Ahmed Tinubu actually earn?

In an interview, Muhammed Shehu made it clear that the salaries of political officeholders in Nigeria have not been increased since 2007. He emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earns less than ₦1.5 million monthly, while ministers earn less than ₦1 million per month.

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Specifically, the President earns ₦1,171,568 monthly and ₦14,058,820 annually, as recorded by the RMAFC. This figure excludes several allowances and entitlements that come with holding the highest office in the land. These may include accommodations, medical care, estacodes, severance gratuity, leave allowances, and vehicle loans—benefits that are provided either annually or upon the completion of a tenure.

In June 2023, the RMAFC recommended a 114% salary increase for the President and other office holders, but according to findings by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), President Tinubu did not approve the proposed raise.

The Nigerian government is responsible for paying the president’s salary, but despite his "low salary", Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the current president, ranks among the wealthiest politicians globally.

He has had a long career in politics, including a previous tenure as governor. However, his wealth stems largely from personal businesses, real estate investments, and rental income, placing him among the richest individuals in Nigeria and even the world. With multi-billion-naira properties, corporate investments, and a fleet of luxury cars, his lifestyle is far removed from what his public salary would suggest.

Beyond salary and allowances, the President has access to various financial benefits. These perks are designed to support the President’s duties and ensure comfort, security, and well-being while in office and after retirement.

According to a 2021 Sahara Reporters investigation on former President Buhari's earnings, the President receives 18 different allowances each month, including a hardship allowance of ₦146,446 and a consistency allowance of ₦732,230. Since the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Muhammad Shehu, confirmed that the remuneration structure has remained unchanged since 2007, it is reasonable to assume that President Tinubu currently receives these benefits.

The other allowances are personal assistant allowance, constituency, vehicle fueling/maintenance, domestic staff, entertainment, recess, newspaper/periodicals, utilities, house maintenance, security, special assistant, furniture, wardrobe, duty tour, accommodation, estacode, and medical allowances.

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The President of Nigeria resides and works at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, commonly known as Aso Villa, which has served as the official residence and workplace of the President since the capital moved from Lagos to Abuja in 1991. It is located in the Asokoro District of Abuja.

The Presidential complex includes the main Villa, the State House Conference Centre, the State House Annexe, the State House Clinic, and the Akinola Aguda House. Aso Villa is widely regarded as the most secure presidential residence in Africa.

The cost of maintaining the Presidential Villa is covered by the federal budget. In the proposed 2025 budget, the Bola Tinubu administration allocated an additional ₦5.4 billion for its upkeep.

Like many world leaders, since assuming office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has maintained a rigorous travel schedule. In 2023 alone, he visited 12 countries and spent 58 days outside Nigeria. By 2024, that number rose to 17 countries, with the President spending a total of 84 days abroad.

These frequent trips have drawn public scrutiny, particularly after Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar remarked that Nigeria is wealthy enough to support them. The President’s travel expenses, both domestic and international, are fully covered by the government. He typically flies on aircraft from the Presidential Air Fleet, which includes several jets and helicopters maintained at public cost.

These trips also include extensive logistical support, such as hotel accommodations, local transport, and planning—all funded by taxpayers. Security during these travels is paramount. The President is accompanied by a comprehensive security detail comprising the Department of State Services (DSS), military personnel, and armoured vehicles.

His convoys are often sizable; for instance, a 75-vehicle convoy was reported during a visit to Katsina in April 2024. This high level of security and mobility forms part of the state-funded presidential infrastructure.

An analysis of data from the Open Treasury Portal by Sahara Reporters in February 2025 revealed that the Tinubu administration spent ₦36.3 billion on international travel in 2024. Domestic travel also incurred significant costs, with ₦15.8 billion spent on local travel and transport (training) and ₦31.2 billion on local travel and transport (others).

As part of his entitlements, the President receives comprehensive healthcare coverage, both domestically and internationally. This includes routine check-ups, emergency treatment, and medical evacuation when necessary. All medical expenses are fully covered by the Nigerian government, granting the President access to top-tier medical facilities and professionals.

Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu has been to France seven times. The frequency of these trips has drawn public attention, particularly due to reports suggesting medical reasons behind several of them.

The Remuneration of Former Presidents and Heads of State (and Other Ancillary Matters) Act, 2004, outlines the benefits granted to Nigeria’s former leaders. Here's a breakdown of the major perks enjoyed by former presidents and vice presidents:

• Monthly Allowance: ₦350,000 for former presidents and ₦250,000 for former vice presidents.

• Family Support: Families of deceased former presidents receive ₦1 million annually (₦250,000 quarterly), while families of deceased former vice presidents receive ₦750,000 annually (₦187,500 quarterly).

• Spousal and Child Welfare: The upkeep of spouses and education of children (up to university level) of deceased former presidents and vice presidents are covered.

• Security Detail: 3–4 armed police officers and one State Security Service (SSS) officer (not below grade level 10) as a lifelong aide-de-camp.

• Official Vehicles: Three vehicles for former presidents and two for former vice presidents, replaced every four years.

• Support Staff: A personal secretary (not below grade level 12), a driver, and an officer of at least chief administrative officer rank.

• Diplomatic Passport: For life.

• Healthcare: Free medical treatment within Nigeria for former presidents, vice presidents, and their immediate families. When necessary, treatment abroad is also covered.

• Annual Leave: 30 days of vacation within or outside Nigeria.

• Office and Residence: A fully furnished and equipped office and a five-bedroom house in any location of choice within Nigeria for a former president; a three-bedroom house for a former vice president.

And one last thing: spouses of deceased former leaders lose their entitlements if they remarry.

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