Looking for the current DPO salary in Nigeria per month (2025)? You’re not alone. Many Nigerians are curious about how much Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) earn, especially as security jobs remain a vital part of national stability and income security.
Whether you're preparing for a police recruitment process, comparing civil service salaries, or simply want to understand how the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) compensates its senior officers, this detailed guide covers everything about the monthly salary of a DPO in Nigeria in 2025.
Let’s break it all down rank, responsibilities, allowances, salary scale, and real monthly earnings.
What Is a DPO in Nigeria?
A DPO, or Divisional Police Officer, is the top-ranking officer in charge of a police division or station in a specific location across Nigeria. The DPO manages all police affairs within their division and reports directly to Area Commanders or State Commissioners.
Responsibilities of a DPO:
Overseeing law enforcement within the division
Coordinating investigations and patrols
Managing officers under their command
Addressing community policing issues
Ensuring the security of life and property
Supervising crime reporting and suspect management
Because of the weight of these responsibilities, a DPO is usually an experienced officer and earns more than rank-and-file policemen.
What Rank Is a DPO in Nigeria Police Force?
The rank of a DPO in Nigeria is typically Superintendent of Police (SP) or higher, depending on the size and strategic importance of the division.
In smaller communities, a DPO may be an SP (Superintendent of Police). In larger divisions or cities, DPOs can be Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) or even Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
DPO Salary in Nigeria Per Month (2025 Update)
The monthly salary of a DPO in Nigeria in 2025 depends largely on their rank and years of service. Below is an accurate breakdown based on recent salary adjustments and official Nigerian Police salary structure:
| Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) | Annual Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Superintendent of Police (SP) | ₦296,000 – ₦310,000 | ₦3.6M – ₦3.7M |
| Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) | ₦325,000 – ₦345,000 | ₦3.9M – ₦4.1M |
| Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) | ₦370,000 – ₦450,000 | ₦4.4M – ₦5.4M |
Average DPO Salary in Nigeria
On average, most DPOs in Nigeria earn between ₦300,000 to ₦400,000 per month in 2025, depending on their rank and division.
Allowances Added to DPO Salary in Nigeria
In addition to their monthly salary, DPOs in Nigeria receive several allowances and benefits that significantly increase their total income.
Common Allowances Include:
Housing allowance
Risk allowance
Transport allowance
Utility allowance
Uniform maintenance
Command responsibility allowance
These extras can amount to ₦50,000 to ₦150,000 monthly depending on location and special duty status.
For example, a DPO serving in a high-risk zone like Borno or Zamfara may earn combat or hardship allowance, bringing their total monthly earnings above ₦500,000.
DPO Salary Compared to Other Police Ranks
To better understand how the DPO salary in Nigeria per month compares with other police ranks in 2025, here’s a quick look:
| Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|
| Constable | ₦45,000 – ₦55,000 |
| Corporal | ₦60,000 – ₦75,000 |
| Sergeant | ₦78,000 – ₦90,000 |
| Inspector | ₦120,000 – ₦150,000 |
| ASP | ₦160,000 – ₦200,000 |
| SP (Typical DPO Rank) | ₦296,000 – ₦310,000 |
| CSP (Senior DPO Rank) | ₦325,000 – ₦345,000 |
| ACP (Top DPO Rank) | ₦370,000 – ₦450,000 |
This clearly shows that DPOs earn significantly more than junior police officers in Nigeria.
Factors That Influence DPO Salary in Nigeria
Several factors affect the actual take-home pay of a DPO in Nigeria:
1. Location
Officers posted to high-risk areas or busy urban divisions may receive higher allowances.
2. Years of Service
A CSP with 25 years of service earns more than one with 15 years.
3. Special Duty or Appointment
DPOs on special task forces or federal assignments often earn special allowances.
4. Rank Promotion
Once a DPO is promoted to Assistant Commissioner or above, salary scales increase accordingly.
How to Become a DPO in Nigeria
Becoming a DPO in Nigeria takes years of service, experience, and strong leadership.
Steps:
Join the Nigeria Police Force through recruitment as a Constable, Cadet Inspector, or Cadet ASP.
Rise through the ranks by merit and experience.
Complete mandatory trainings and courses at Police Colleges.
Gain at least 15–20 years of service (on average).
Get appointed as DPO based on recommendation, availability, and proven track record.
Is the DPO Salary in Nigeria Enough?
While the DPO salary in Nigeria (2025) is better than junior officers, it still falls short when compared to top civil service or private sector jobs.
Pros:
Steady monthly income
Government housing in some cases
Pension and gratuity upon retirement
Access to loans and housing schemes
Cons:
Risk of life and property
Long working hours
Limited income growth after a certain level
Some DPOs supplement their income through external training, consulting, or community security contracts, although this must be done ethically and within NPF regulations.
Real-Life Insights from Serving Officers
Some current and retired police officers have anonymously shared that the actual DPO monthly income in Nigeria can be between ₦350,000 and ₦600,000, especially when transport, security, and special task allowances are included.
However, deductions such as union fees, housing contributions, or pension can lower the final take-home pay.
Summary: DPO Salary in Nigeria (2025)
| DPO Rank | Base Salary (₦) | With Allowances (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| SP | ₦296,000 – ₦310,000 | ₦350,000 – ₦400,000 |
| CSP | ₦325,000 – ₦345,000 | ₦400,000 – ₦450,000 |
| ACP | ₦370,000 – ₦450,000 | ₦450,000 – ₦600,000 |
The average DPO salary in Nigeria per month in 2025 ranges between ₦350,000 to ₦600,000, depending on rank, location, and benefits.
Pro Tips: Understanding Police Ranks and Salaries in Nigeria
Rank is everything: The higher the rank, the higher the pay and prestige.
DPO is not a rank but a position: It’s tied to ranks like SP, CSP, or ACP.
Location adds value: Officers in insurgency-prone states earn more in allowances.
Be promotion-focused: Staying at one rank for too long can limit salary growth.
FAQs on DPO Salary in Nigeria Per Month (2025)
How much does a DPO earn in Nigeria monthly?
A DPO earns between ₦300,000 and ₦600,000 monthly in 2025, depending on rank and allowances.
What is the minimum rank required to be a DPO?
Usually, a DPO must be at least a Superintendent of Police (SP), though some may be CSP or ACP.
Does a DPO receive other benefits?
Yes. Benefits include risk, transport, uniform, housing, and command responsibility allowances.
Is the DPO salary enough in Nigeria?
It's fair compared to other government roles, but many DPOs still face economic pressure due to inflation and family obligations.
Final Thoughts: Is the DPO Salary Worth It in 2025?
The DPO salary in Nigeria per month in 2025 is among the highest within the Nigerian Police Force, offering job security, career growth, and moderate financial stability. However, considering the risks involved and rising cost of living, it’s important for DPOs to manage their income wisely and seek legitimate opportunities for growth within the system.