If you’re considering a job in the Nigerian civil service or simply curious about how much government workers earn, this updated guide explains everything about the civil service salary in Nigeria, the public service salary scale, and what affects the pay of government workers in 2025.
We’ll cover the salary grades, allowances, benefits, how promotions affect earnings, and a detailed summary table of the 2025 salary structure to help you understand where you might fit in.
What is the Federal Civil Service in Nigeria?
The Federal Civil Service is the administrative arm of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
It consists of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) where workers implement government policies and deliver public services.
Civil servants are career government employees who earn monthly salaries, allowances, and enjoy job security compared to many private-sector jobs.
How is the Civil Service Salary Determined?
The government workers pay is determined by:
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Grade Level (GL) and Step: Every job has a grade level and within it are incremental steps.
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Years of Service: As you gain experience, you move up the steps and grades.
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Job Cadre: Professional, technical, or administrative roles have different starting points.
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Educational Qualification: Higher degrees usually qualify you for higher grade levels.
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Location and Postings: Workers posted to certain areas may earn hardship or rural allowances.
Federal Civil Service Salary Structure in 2025
In Nigeria, the salary of federal civil servants follows the CONPSS (Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure). This was designed to standardize pay and reduce disparities among government employees.
Below is a breakdown of the salary structure by Grade Level (GL) in 2025.
Entry Grade Levels in the Civil Service
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GL 04–06: For school certificate holders and OND/NCE holders.
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GL 07–08: For university degree and HND holders.
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GL 09–12: For Master’s degree holders and professional certifications.
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GL 13 and above: Senior management and directors.
Salary Breakdown by Grade Level
Below is a detailed guide of what to expect at each level in 2025:
Grade Level 01–03 (Lowest Cadres)
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Monthly Salary: ₦30,000 – ₦40,000
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Typical roles: Cleaners, messengers, support staff.
Grade Level 04–06 (Junior Officers)
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Monthly Salary: ₦45,000 – ₦65,000
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Roles: Clerks, assistants, technicians.
Grade Level 07–08 (Mid-Level Officers)
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Monthly Salary: ₦75,000 – ₦120,000
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Roles: Entry-level graduates, administrative officers.
Grade Level 09–12 (Senior Officers)
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Monthly Salary: ₦130,000 – ₦250,000
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Roles: Senior administrative and technical positions.
Grade Level 13–15 (Assistant Directors & Directors)
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Monthly Salary: ₦300,000 – ₦500,000+
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Roles: Heads of departments, directors.
Grade Level 16–17 (Permanent Secretaries & Top Management)
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Monthly Salary: ₦700,000 – ₦1,000,000+
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Roles: Permanent secretaries and key decision-makers.
Allowances and Benefits for Civil Servants
Apart from the base salary, civil servants also enjoy several allowances which increase their total take-home pay.
These include:
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Transport Allowance
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Housing Allowance
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Leave Bonus
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Medical Allowance
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Duty Tour Allowance
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Furniture Allowance (for senior officers)
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Hardship or Rural Posting Allowance
Advantages of Working in the Federal Civil Service
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Job security compared to private jobs.
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Regular promotions and incremental pay.
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Pension benefits and gratuity after retirement.
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Opportunities for training and development.
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Access to affordable housing and cooperative schemes.
Challenges of Working in the Federal Civil Service
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Salaries may be lower compared to some private-sector jobs.
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Promotions can be slow and competitive.
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Work environment can sometimes be bureaucratic and rigid.
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Strikes and delays in salary payments during crises.
Tips for Earning More in the Civil Service
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Further your education to qualify for higher grade levels.
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Take professional certifications recognized by your ministry.
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Aim for postings in departments with higher responsibility allowances.
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Apply for competitive senior management positions when eligible.
Federal Civil Service Salary Summary Table (2025)
| Grade Level | Monthly Salary Range (₦) |
|---|---|
| GL 01–03 | 30,000 – 40,000 |
| GL 04–06 | 45,000 – 65,000 |
| GL 07–08 | 75,000 – 120,000 |
| GL 09–12 | 130,000 – 250,000 |
| GL 13–15 | 300,000 – 500,000+ |
| GL 16–17 | 700,000 – 1,000,000+ |
How Promotions Affect Salaries
In the civil service, promotions usually occur every 3–5 years depending on performance and vacancies.
With each promotion:
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Your grade level increases.
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Your step within the grade also increases.
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Your allowances may also improve.
This steady progression is one reason many choose a career in public service.
Comparison: Civil Service vs Private Sector Pay
While entry-level salaries in the private sector (especially in banks and tech companies) are often higher, civil service offers better job security and long-term benefits.
For example:
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Private Sector Entry-Level: ₦120,000 – ₦250,000
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Civil Service Entry-Level: ₦75,000 – ₦120,000
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But private jobs may come with higher risks of layoffs.
How to Join the Federal Civil Service in Nigeria
To become a civil servant in Nigeria:
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Apply through the Federal Civil Service Commission when vacancies are advertised.
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Pass the recruitment exams and interviews.
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Provide necessary documentation and background checks.
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Be posted to your ministry, department, or agency.
Final Thoughts
The federal civil service salary in Nigeria in 2025 provides a stable and predictable income, especially for those who value job security and steady progression.
While it may not match the highest-paying private jobs, it offers clear growth opportunities, benefits, and a respectable career path.
If you’re considering joining the service, focus on gaining qualifications and experience that can place you in higher grade levels from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the starting salary for federal civil servants in Nigeria?
A: Entry-level civil servants on GL 07 earn about ₦75,000 – ₦120,000 monthly.
Q: Do civil servants get allowances?
A: Yes. They receive allowances such as transport, housing, medical, and leave bonuses.
Q: How often do promotions happen in the civil service?
A: Usually every 3–5 years depending on your performance and available positions.
Q: Is civil service better than private-sector jobs?
A: It depends. Civil service offers better job security and benefits, but private jobs may pay more.
Q: How much do top-level directors earn?
A: Directors and permanent secretaries can earn from ₦500,000 to over ₦1,000,000 monthly.