Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria: Roles, Responsibilities, and Remuneration*

By: Steve Bond
Public Affairs Commentator

Local Government Chairmen play a vital role in Nigeria's grassroots governance. Their responsibilities include overseeing local government administration, budgeting and financial management, infrastructure development, maintaining peace and security, policy implementation, revenue collection, and representing the local government.

Responsibilities
*Overseeing Local Government Administration*: Managing council operations, departments, and staff to ensure smooth delivery of services like healthcare, education, and sanitation.
- *Budgeting and Financial Management*: Preparing and presenting the council's budget, ensuring proper utilization of local funds, and accounting for development projects.
- *Infrastructure and Development Projects*: Leading projects that impact local communities, such as road grading, building health centers, and renovating schools.
- *Maintaining Peace and Security*: Collaborating with security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to resolve conflicts and maintain peace.
- *Policy Implementation*: Executing federal and state government policies at the local level to benefit the community.
- *Revenue Collection*: Overseeing the collection of local taxes, levies, and rates to fund community development projects and council operations.
- *Representing the Local Government*: Representing the local government's interests in meetings with state government, donor agencies, or international NGOs.

Salary and Allowances
The salary structure for Local Government Chairmen varies across states, but the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) determines their remuneration. Here's a breakdown:
- *Basic Monthly Salary*: ₦336,000 to ₦400,000
- *Total Monthly Package (with allowances)*: ₦1,500,000 to ₦2,500,000 or ₦500,000 to ₦850,000, depending on the source and state
- *Allowances*:
- *Hardship Allowance*
- *Constituency Allowance*
- *Security and Duty Tour Allowance*
- *Furniture Allowance* (once per tenure)
- *Vehicle Maintenance*
- *Entertainment Allowance*
- *Housing Allowance* (or official housing)
- *Medical Care*
- *Security Personnel*
- *Travel Allowances*

Local Government Chairmen also enjoy other benefits, including:
- *Official Vehicles*
- Pension or Gratuity (depending on state laws)
- *Other Support Services* to ensure effective discharge of duties

Keep in mind that actual salaries and benefits may vary depending on the state and local government area.