Looking to know how much Federal Fire Service officers earn in Nigeria this 2025? You're in the right place. Whether you're planning to join the service, preparing for recruitment, or comparing salaries across Nigeria’s uniformed forces, this detailed guide explains everything you need to know about the Federal Fire Service salary, allowance and rank structure in Nigeria — from entry-level Fireman to top executive positions.
We’ll break down monthly salaries by rank, list all the available allowances, explain how promotions affect pay, and answer the most common questions Nigerians ask about the Fire Service today.
Summary: Federal Fire Service Salary and Allowance (2025)
| Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) | Allowance Range (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Fireman Recruit | ₦45,000 – ₦55,000 | ₦10,000 – ₦25,000 |
| Fireman II / I | ₦55,000 – ₦70,000 | ₦20,000 – ₦35,000 |
| Corporal / Sergeant | ₦75,000 – ₦90,000 | ₦25,000 – ₦45,000 |
| Inspector / Officer Cadet | ₦100,000 – ₦130,000 | ₦30,000 – ₦50,000 |
| Superintendent – Director | ₦150,000 – ₦300,000+ | ₦50,000 – ₦100,000+ |
Who Are Federal Fire Service Officers?
The Federal Fire Service of Nigeria is a paramilitary agency under the Ministry of Interior, responsible for preventing, managing, and responding to fire outbreaks across the country. It’s the lead national agency in fire safety enforcement, urban emergency response, and fire prevention education.
Firefighters in Nigeria don’t just extinguish fires—they inspect buildings, issue fire permits, rescue trapped civilians, and manage disasters. They work in state capitals, airports, government facilities, industrial zones, and communities.
Federal Fire Service Salary in Nigeria Per Month (2025)
Just like other government agencies, the Federal Fire Service salary in Nigeria is structured under the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS). The higher your rank and step, the more you earn.
Entry-Level Fireman Salary
Recruit Fireman (newly employed): ₦45,000 – ₦55,000
This is the starting salary for new officers before passing basic training. Most recruits stay on this level for about 6–12 months.
Mid-Level Officer Salary
Fireman II/I and Corporal: ₦55,000 – ₦70,000
These officers handle fire trucks, rescue duties, and enforcement activities. After a few years, they move to Sergeant and Inspector level.
Senior Fire Service Salary
Inspectors & Superintendents: ₦100,000 – ₦160,000
They manage stations, handle investigations, lead response teams, and direct field operatives.
Executive & Directorate Salary
Assistant Director to Director-General: ₦180,000 – ₦300,000+
These officers oversee regional operations, policy implementation, and inter-agency coordination.
Whether you're joining as a graduate or with SSCE, your rank determines your starting pay.
Federal Fire Service Allowances in Nigeria (2025)
In addition to base salary, officers receive multiple allowances that reflect risk, housing, transportation, and uniforms. These are paid monthly or quarterly and are essential to calculating total earnings.
Main Allowances for Firefighters
Hazard Allowance: ₦15,000 – ₦50,000 (for fire-prone and emergency zones)
Shift Duty Allowance: ₦10,000 – ₦25,000 (for night or weekend shifts)
Uniform & Kit Allowance: ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 quarterly
Housing Allowance: ₦10,000 – ₦30,000 monthly (if not in barracks)
Meal Subsidy: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 depending on location
Transport Allowance: ₦7,000 – ₦20,000 per month
Leave Allowance: Paid annually—usually one month’s basic salary
Some senior officers also enjoy duty tour allowances, conference allowances, and official vehicle stipends depending on position.
Federal Fire Service Rank Structure in Nigeria
Just like the Nigeria Police and NSCDC, the FFS uses a structured rank hierarchy that determines pay, authority, and promotion eligibility.
Commissioned & Non-Commissioned Ranks
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs):
Fireman Recruit
Fireman II
Fireman I
Corporal
Sergeant
Chief Sergeant
Commissioned Officers:
Inspector
Superintendent
Chief Superintendent
Assistant Director
Deputy Director
Director
Director-General (DG, FFS)
How Promotions Work
Promotion is based on years of service, training completion, internal exams, and availability of positions.
Officers can move from NCO to commissioned ranks after completing advanced courses and meeting required service years.
Higher ranks come with more responsibilities and higher salary brackets. Promotions can mean a ₦20,000 to ₦100,000 monthly salary increase.
Federal Fire Service Salary vs Other Paramilitary Agencies (2025)
| Agency | Entry-Level Salary (₦) | Top Rank Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Fire Service | ₦45,000 – ₦55,000 | ₦300,000+ |
| NSCDC | ₦47,000 – ₦60,000 | ₦280,000+ |
| Nigeria Police | ₦50,000 – ₦65,000 | ₦290,000+ |
| FRSC | ₦46,000 – ₦58,000 | ₦270,000+ |
| Immigration | ₦49,000 – ₦62,000 | ₦310,000+ |
The Federal Fire Service salary in Nigeria is competitive and often higher in allowances due to high-risk tasks like fire control and building rescue.
How Is Federal Fire Service Salary Paid?
Paid monthly through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS)
Directly deposited into each officer’s Nigerian bank account
Each payment includes basic salary, allowances, pension deductions, and health insurance contributions
Officers receive a monthly payslip through their HR unit
Benefits of Working in the Federal Fire Service
Job Security: Federal appointment with pension plan
Career Growth: Promotions based on merit and training
Training Opportunities: Firefighting, first aid, crisis management
Post-retirement Pension: Paid through PENCOM
Barrack Accommodation: Available in some state capitals
Discipline & Leadership: Structured system, uniforms, command
Cost of Living vs Federal Fire Service Salary
Here’s a sample of how a junior officer’s salary aligns with typical monthly expenses in 2025:
| Item | Estimated Monthly Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Feeding | ₦20,000 – ₦30,000 |
| Transport | ₦10,000 – ₦15,000 |
| Rent (shared room) | ₦25,000 – ₦40,000 |
| Utilities & Airtime | ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 |
Even entry-level officers earning ₦55,000 – ₦70,000 can live modestly, especially with additional allowances making up 30–40% of total income.
FAQs on Federal Fire Service Salary in Nigeria (2025)
How much is Federal Fire Service salary in Nigeria per month?
New recruits earn between ₦45,000 and ₦55,000 monthly. Mid-level officers can earn ₦100,000+, and senior directors earn up to ₦300,000+ with allowances.
Is Federal Fire Service part of the military?
No. It’s a paramilitary agency under the Ministry of Interior, like NSCDC or Immigration.
What qualifications do I need to join FFS?
Minimum of SSCE (WAEC/NECO) for entry roles. ND, HND or BSc required for officer cadet positions.
Does FFS pay training allowance?
Yes, during training, recruits receive a stipend ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦35,000 per month depending on location.
Are fire service officers paid risk allowance?
Yes. Hazard and emergency duty allowances are paid to compensate for high-risk assignments.
Can women apply for Federal Fire Service?
Absolutely. The service welcomes male and female applicants equally.
Final Thoughts: Is the Federal Fire Service Salary Worth It in 2025?
The Federal Fire Service salary, allowance and rank structure in Nigeria (2025) makes it one of the most rewarding uniformed roles under the Ministry of Interior. While it’s a demanding career requiring courage and discipline, the pay is fair, the promotion structure is clear, and the benefits are long-term.
Whether you’re looking for stability, pension-backed employment, or a way to serve your community, the Fire Service offers a structured path for growth.
So if you're asking, “Is it worth applying to the Fire Service in Nigeria?”—the answer is yes.