If you’re curious about the highest paid forces in Nigeria in 2025 and their salary structures, you are not alone. Many Nigerians and global readers often wonder which of the country’s security agencies offer the best pay and allowances to their officers.
Understanding the salary structure of Nigeria’s military, paramilitary, and law enforcement agencies is crucial whether you’re planning to join one of these organizations, preparing for a career change, or simply interested in how the government compensates its security personnel.
This detailed guide provides the full list of the top 10 highest paid forces in Nigeria, explains how much they earn at different ranks, and what allowances and benefits they enjoy. It also includes a summary table for quick reference, an FAQ section, and a clear conclusion to help you make informed decisions.
Why You Should Know the Highest Paid Forces in Nigeria
Before we dive into the rankings, here are some reasons why this knowledge is useful:
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Career Planning: Knowing which force pays the most can help you choose the right path.
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Motivation: It shows you the benefits of working in these agencies and how your effort is rewarded.
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Transparency: It promotes accountability by highlighting how public funds are allocated to personnel.
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Comparison: It helps you compare salaries across different forces to see which offers the best compensation.
Factors That Affect Salaries in Nigeria’s Security Forces
The salary of personnel in Nigerian forces is influenced by several factors:
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Rank/Grade Level: Higher ranks earn more.
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Years of Service: Longer service often means higher pay.
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Posting Location: Hardship postings or conflict zones attract extra allowances.
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Specializations: Certain technical or hazardous roles come with additional pay.
Top 10 Highest Paid Security Forces in Nigeria 2025
Below is the ranking of the highest paid security forces in Nigeria for 2025, starting with the highest earning agency.
1. Nigerian Army
The Nigerian Army is the land component of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the largest branch. It is the highest paid force in Nigeria in 2025.
Salary Structure:
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Private (lowest rank): ₦50,000 – ₦65,000/month
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Lieutenant: ₦180,000 – ₦220,000/month
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Captain: ₦220,000 – ₦300,000/month
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Major: ₦300,000 – ₦350,000/month
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Colonel: ₦550,000 – ₦750,000/month
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General: ₦1.5 million+/month
Allowances:
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Operation allowance
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Hazard allowance
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Housing and transport
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Uniform and equipment allowance
2. Nigerian Navy
The Nigerian Navy protects Nigeria’s maritime interests and is known for its generous pay and benefits.
Salary Structure:
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Seaman (entry): ₦50,000 – ₦60,000/month
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Lieutenant: ₦180,000 – ₦230,000/month
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Commander: ₦350,000 – ₦500,000/month
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Commodore: ₦750,000 – ₦1 million/month
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Admiral: ₦1.5 million+/month
Allowances:
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Sea duty allowance
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Hazard pay
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Accommodation and feeding
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Travel and operation bonuses
3. Nigerian Air Force
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) oversees aerial defense and is well compensated for its technical and hazardous duties.
Salary Structure:
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Aircraftman: ₦45,000 – ₦55,000/month
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Flying Officer: ₦180,000 – ₦210,000/month
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Squadron Leader: ₦350,000 – ₦500,000/month
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Group Captain: ₦700,000 – ₦950,000/month
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Air Marshal: ₦1.5 million+/month
Allowances:
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Flight duty pay
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Technical/hazard allowance
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Housing and transport benefits
4. Nigerian Customs Service
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) is responsible for revenue collection, anti‑smuggling, and border security. They earn competitive salaries.
Salary Structure:
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Customs Assistant: ₦45,000 – ₦65,000/month
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Superintendent: ₦150,000 – ₦220,000/month
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Controller: ₦700,000 – ₦900,000/month
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Comptroller‑General: ₦1.5 million+/month
Allowances:
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Duty tour
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Risk allowance
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Vehicle and housing support
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Uniform allowance
5. Nigerian Immigration Service
The Immigration Service handles visa issuance, passport control, and border security.
Salary Structure:
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Immigration Assistant: ₦45,000 – ₦55,000/month
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Senior Inspector: ₦150,000 – ₦200,000/month
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Superintendent: ₦250,000 – ₦350,000/month
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Comptroller‑General: ₦1.3 million+/month
Allowances:
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Hardship allowance
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Uniform and maintenance
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Transport and housing
6. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
The NSCDC provides security to public infrastructure and disaster response services.
Salary Structure:
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Corps Assistant: ₦45,000 – ₦60,000/month
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Inspector: ₦150,000 – ₦200,000/month
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Commandant: ₦500,000 – ₦700,000/month
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Commandant‑General: ₦1.2 million+/month
Allowances:
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Risk/hazard pay
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Hardship posting allowance
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Housing and feeding support
7. Nigerian Police Force
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is the principal law enforcement agency.
Salary Structure:
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Constable: ₦40,000 – ₦50,000/month
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Inspector: ₦80,000 – ₦120,000/month
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Superintendent: ₦200,000 – ₦300,000/month
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IGP: ₦1.2 million+/month
Allowances:
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Risk and duty allowances
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Housing and transport
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Uniform maintenance
8. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
The FRSC ensures road safety and traffic management.
Salary Structure:
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Road Marshal Assistant: ₦40,000 – ₦55,000/month
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Inspector: ₦100,000 – ₦150,000/month
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Deputy Corps Marshal: ₦500,000 – ₦700,000/month
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Corps Marshal: ₦1 million+/month
Allowances:
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Hazard allowance
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Transport and duty tour allowance
9. Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
The NDLEA combats drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.
Salary Structure:
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Narcotic Assistant: ₦40,000 – ₦50,000/month
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Narcotic Officer: ₦120,000 – ₦150,000/month
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Commander: ₦400,000 – ₦600,000/month
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Chairman/CEO: ₦1 million+/month
Allowances:
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Risk allowance
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Special duty pay
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Accommodation support
10. Federal Fire Service
The Federal Fire Service (FFS) handles fire prevention and emergency response.
Salary Structure:
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Fireman: ₦45,000 – ₦55,000/month
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Station Officer: ₦150,000 – ₦200,000/month
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Chief Superintendent: ₦350,000 – ₦500,000/month
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Controller‑General: ₦900,000 – ₦1.1 million/month
Allowances:
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Hazard pay
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Housing and feeding
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Uniform maintenance
Summary Table: Top 10 Highest Paid Forces in Nigeria 2025
| Rank | Force | Starting Monthly Pay (₦) | Top Rank Monthly Pay (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nigerian Army | 50,000 – 65,000 | 1.5 million+ |
| 2 | Nigerian Navy | 50,000 – 60,000 | 1.5 million+ |
| 3 | Nigerian Air Force | 45,000 – 55,000 | 1.5 million+ |
| 4 | Nigerian Customs Service | 45,000 – 65,000 | 1.5 million+ |
| 5 | Nigerian Immigration Service | 45,000 – 55,000 | 1.3 million+ |
| 6 | NSCDC | 45,000 – 60,000 | 1.2 million+ |
| 7 | Nigerian Police Force | 40,000 – 50,000 | 1.2 million+ |
| 8 | FRSC | 40,000 – 55,000 | 1 million+ |
| 9 | NDLEA | 40,000 – 50,000 | 1 million+ |
| 10 | Federal Fire Service | 45,000 – 55,000 | 1.1 million+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which force is the highest paid in Nigeria?
The Nigerian Army currently ranks as the highest paid force in Nigeria for 2025.
2. What is the starting salary for a Nigerian soldier?
A Private earns about ₦50,000 – ₦65,000 monthly.
3. Do allowances significantly increase total earnings?
Yes, allowances can increase total earnings by 30–50% depending on posting and duties.
4. Which paramilitary agency pays the most?
The Nigerian Customs Service and Immigration Service offer the highest pay among paramilitary agencies.
5. Is the Nigerian Police well paid?
The Police earn less compared to the military but enjoy regular allowances and benefits.
6. What is the salary of an Admiral in the Nigerian Navy?
An Admiral earns over ₦1.5 million monthly.
7. Do security forces in Nigeria receive pensions?
Yes, all permanent staff enjoy pension and gratuity after retirement.
8. Are salaries the same across all states?
No, allowances may vary based on location and hardship postings.
9. Can civilians join any of these forces?
Yes, through periodic recruitment exercises announced officially.
10. Which force is best for career growth?
All offer career growth, but the Army, Navy, and Customs Service have broader advancement opportunities.
Conclusion
Knowing the top 10 highest paid forces in Nigeria for 2025 and their salary structures helps you understand the value placed on security personnel and guides your career decisions. From the Nigerian Army to the Federal Fire Service, each force has its unique roles, risks, and rewards.
If you’re planning to join any of these agencies, this guide provides a clear picture of what to expect in terms of pay, allowances, and benefits. Always monitor official recruitment portals for updates and prepare adequately to meet the requirements.
For more insights, tips, and detailed guides about Nigeria’s security, paramilitary, and law enforcement careers, stay tuned to our platform and share this article with others who might find it helpful.