Are you searching for the difference between CONPSS and CONPASS salary structure in Nigeria (2025)? Whether you're a job seeker eyeing a federal government role, a newly employed civil servant, or just trying to understand how salary grades work in Nigeria’s public sector, this complete guide explains everything you need to know.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down what CONPSS and CONPASS mean, their similarities, their differences, who falls under each structure, how salary is calculated, and which one offers better pay and allowances. We’ll also include salary table examples, FAQs, and a section comparing their benefits.
What is CONPSS in Nigeria?
CONPSS stands for Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure. It is the salary structure used for most general federal civil servants in ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
It was introduced by the Federal Government to consolidate various fragmented allowances and salary heads into one unified salary system. As of 2025, CONPSS is the default salary structure for administrative, accounting, clerical, and support staff in the federal public service.
Key Features of CONPSS:
Covers Grade Level 01 to Grade Level 17
Salaries are paid monthly via the IPPIS platform
Includes basic salary and consolidated allowances
Used in federal ministries, commissions, and secretariats
What is CONPASS in Nigeria?
CONPASS stands for Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure. It is a special salary structure designed for paramilitary agencies in Nigeria, especially those with security or enforcement functions.
CONPASS is used by:
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS)
Nigerian Prisons Service (now Nigerian Correctional Service)
Federal Fire Service
Nigerian Peace Corps (pending official recognition)
Key Features of CONPASS:
Similar grading system from Level 03 to Level 17
Includes unique allowances like uniform, risk, and shift duty
Adjusted salary figures to reflect security-related hazards
Entry-level pay is often slightly higher than CONPSS
Major Differences Between CONPSS and CONPASS Salary Structure in Nigeria 2025
Let’s now break down the key differences between CONPSS and CONPASS salary structures in Nigeria, using side-by-side comparisons to explain clearly.
1. Sector Coverage
CONPSS is for regular civil service workers such as clerks, administrators, accountants, and IT staff in ministries and agencies.
CONPASS is for paramilitary organizations, which include enforcement or quasi-security duties (e.g. NSCDC, Immigration, Fire Service).
This is the primary difference between the two salary structures.
2. Salary Levels and Entry Points
While both salary structures use similar grade levels (typically 03 to 17), CONPASS often starts slightly higher at each grade level compared to CONPSS.
For example:
| Grade Level | CONPSS Monthly Salary (₦) | CONPASS Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| GL 07 | ₦75,000 – ₦85,000 | ₦85,000 – ₦95,000 |
| GL 08 | ₦95,000 – ₦105,000 | ₦110,000 – ₦120,000 |
| GL 12 | ₦150,000 – ₦180,000 | ₦170,000 – ₦200,000 |
This slight increase in CONPASS is due to the nature of their duties (security, enforcement, risks).
3. Allowances Structure
CONPSS Allowances are general and include:
Housing Allowance
Transport Allowance
Leave Grant
Meal Subsidy
CONPASS Allowances are specialized and include:
Uniform Allowance
Hazard or Risk Allowance
Shift Duty Allowance (especially for Fire Service)
Training Allowance
This makes CONPASS more attractive for staff in operational/security roles, especially those on active field assignments.
4. Promotional Path and Ranks
CONPSS workers are promoted based on civil service rules using Grade Levels (GL).
CONPASS workers use both Grade Levels and Paramilitary Ranks like:
Inspector
Assistant Superintendent
Deputy Controller
Commandant
These ranks are mapped to GL but also come with field designations.
5. Pension and Retirement
Both CONPSS and CONPASS workers are enrolled in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
However:
CONPSS staff retire at 60 years or 35 years of service.
CONPASS staff may retire earlier due to the physical demands and age limits of paramilitary jobs (especially in Fire, NSCDC, etc.).
6. Job Risk and Field Exposure
CONPSS jobs are mostly office-based, with little to no risk.
CONPASS jobs involve physical security roles, exposure to hazards, emergency response, and enforcement.
This is why CONPASS staff enjoy additional risk and duty-based allowances.
Salary Comparison Table: CONPSS vs CONPASS (2025)
| Grade Level | CONPSS Estimated Salary (₦) | CONPASS Estimated Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| GL 04 | ₦43,000 – ₦51,000 | ₦48,000 – ₦56,000 |
| GL 06 | ₦68,000 – ₦71,000 | ₦72,000 – ₦78,000 |
| GL 07 | ₦75,000 – ₦85,000 | ₦85,000 – ₦95,000 |
| GL 08 | ₦95,000 – ₦105,000 | ₦110,000 – ₦120,000 |
| GL 09 | ₦115,000 – ₦135,000 | ₦130,000 – ₦150,000 |
| GL 10 | ₦135,000 – ₦145,000 | ₦145,000 – ₦160,000 |
| GL 12 | ₦150,000 – ₦180,000 | ₦170,000 – ₦200,000 |
| GL 14 | ₦250,000 – ₦280,000 | ₦270,000 – ₦300,000 |
| GL 15 – 17 | ₦300,000 – ₦500,000+ | ₦320,000 – ₦550,000+ |
Similarities Between CONPSS and CONPASS in Nigeria
Despite their differences, CONPSS and CONPASS also share some common features:
Both use grade level and step system to determine pay
Salaries are processed through IPPIS
Both are subject to Federal Civil Service Commission regulations
Tax, pension, and NHF deductions apply equally
Promotions and salary increments occur based on years of service and performance
Which Is Better: CONPSS or CONPASS?
This depends on your career preference.
Choose CONPSS if you want an office-based administrative career with stable promotions and fewer risks.
Choose CONPASS if you’re comfortable with paramilitary rules, field assignments, and desire slightly higher take-home pay due to extra allowances.
If you’re asking which salary structure pays more, CONPASS generally has the edge at the same grade level — but it comes with more physical work and field expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the full meaning of CONPSS in Nigeria?
It means Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure. It is used for federal civil servants in ministries and agencies.
What is the full meaning of CONPASS in Nigeria?
It means Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure. It is used in agencies like NSCDC, Fire Service, Immigration, etc.
Is CONPASS salary higher than CONPSS?
Yes. At similar grade levels, CONPASS pays slightly more due to risk and uniform-related allowances.
Can someone move from CONPSS to CONPASS?
Only by changing your job through transfer, redeployment, or new application to a paramilitary agency.
Does CONPASS include uniform allowance?
Yes. Uniform allowance, hazard, and field duty allowances are all part of the CONPASS benefit system.
Are both CONPSS and CONPASS under IPPIS?
Yes. As of 2025, most staff under both structures are paid through the IPPIS platform.
Final Thoughts: Understanding the Difference Between CONPSS and CONPASS in 2025
Understanding the difference between CONPSS and CONPASS salary structure in Nigeria 2025 is essential if you're planning a public sector career. While both follow federal guidelines and grade levels, CONPASS is designed for paramilitary workers, offering extra allowances due to the risk involved, while CONPSS serves traditional civil servants, with more office-focused duties.
Whichever you choose, ensure your decision aligns with your long-term career goal, lifestyle preference, and risk tolerance.