Rufai Breaks Down What Nigerian Ambassadors Really Earn Each Month

Oseni Rufai has outlined what Nigerian ambassadors earn each month, offering fresh insight as the latest list of ambassadorial nominees reaches the Senate for screening. The broadcast journalist shared the figures after President Bola Tinubu sent an additional 32 names to the upper chamber on Saturday, following an earlier list of three nominees. Those newly listed include former INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu, Reno Omokri and former Enugu governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Rufai noted that ambassadorial pay is determined by the Consolidated Diplomatic, Consular and Foreign Service Cadre Salary Structure, which guides compensation for senior Foreign Service officers. Ambassadors typically occupy the highest grade levels and receive extra allowances when posted abroad. He said available government data and personnel cost reports show that while basic pay is relatively modest, it is significantly boosted by overseas allowances tied to location, experience and exchange-rate changes.

According to him, ambassadors earn a basic monthly salary of roughly N800,000 to N1.2 million, with entry-level officers earning far less. Annual basic pay stands at N9.6 million to N14.4 million, figures consistent with Grade Level 17 earnings adjusted for inflation and the updated national minimum wage. Rufai stressed, however, that basic salary represents only a fraction of actual compensation, as diplomats receive substantial support for housing, cost of living, official representation and hardship postings.

He said total monthly take-home pay for ambassadors posted abroad often rises above N2 million and can reach N5 million, depending on conditions in the host country.