Are you searching for the highest paying paramilitary jobs in Nigeria in 2025? Whether you're a graduate, diploma holder, or an SSCE applicant, knowing which paramilitary agency pays best can help you make informed career decisions.
This guide ranks the top-paying paramilitary jobs in Nigeria based on salary structures, entry qualifications, allowances, and promotion prospects. It includes salaries from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Customs, NSCDC, FRSC, Correctional Service, and more.
What Are Paramilitary Jobs in Nigeria?
Paramilitary jobs in Nigeria refer to uniformed government agencies with structured training, ranks, and authority similar to the military, but focused on internal security, civil order, or specialized tasks.
These agencies include:
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS)
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
Nigerian Fire Service
They operate under various ministries, often with national recruitment and consolidated salary systems.
1. Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) – Highest Paying
Starting Salary: ₦75,000 – ₦95,000 (for HND/BSc holders)
Top Ranks: ₦300,000 – ₦500,000 per month
Why Top: Customs officers benefit from CONPASS salaries and additional revenue-based bonuses.
Best For: Graduates with degrees in Accounting, Economics, Business Admin, etc.
2. Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
Starting Salary: ₦75,000 – ₦95,000 (graduates)
Top Ranks: ₦350,000 – ₦500,000
Extras: Housing, transport, uniform, and foreign service opportunities.
Best For: SSCE, ND, and graduates interested in national security and border control.
3. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
Starting Salary: ₦80,000 – ₦100,000 (ARC level)
Senior Roles: ₦400,000 – ₦500,000
Bonus: Health insurance, hazard pay, training programs.
Best For: Public health, engineering, and social science graduates.
4. Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS)
Entry Pay: ₦30,000 – ₦85,000 (SSCE to BSc holders)
High Rank Salaries: ₦400,000 – ₦500,000
Highlights: Stable promotion system, secure employment, prison hazard allowance.
5. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
Entry Salary: ₦35,000 – ₦75,000
Top Officer Salary: ₦300,000 – ₦400,000
Perks: Community protection allowances, national emergency response units.
Best For: Applicants interested in safeguarding lives and property.
6. NDLEA (Drug Law Enforcement)
Starting Pay: ₦60,000 – ₦80,000
High Ranks: ₦250,000 – ₦300,000+
Risks: High due to drug enforcement roles; includes hazard pay.
Best For: Criminology, psychology, and law enforcement specialists.
7. Nigerian Fire Service
Basic Salary: ₦40,000 – ₦60,000 (entry level)
Senior Pay: Up to ₦180,000+
Notes: Includes hazard allowances, but slightly lower pay scale than others.
Best For: SSCE holders and technical tradespeople.
Salary Comparison Table: Paramilitary Agencies in 2025
| Agency | Entry Level Salary | Senior Officer Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria Customs Service | ₦75,000 – ₦95,000 | ₦400,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Nigeria Immigration Service | ₦75,000 – ₦95,000 | ₦350,000 – ₦500,000 |
| FRSC | ₦80,000 – ₦100,000 | ₦400,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Correctional Service (NCoS) | ₦30,000 – ₦85,000 | ₦400,000 – ₦500,000 |
| NSCDC | ₦35,000 – ₦75,000 | ₦300,000 – ₦400,000 |
| NDLEA | ₦60,000 – ₦80,000 | ₦250,000 – ₦300,000 |
| Fire Service | ₦40,000 – ₦60,000 | ₦150,000 – ₦180,000 |
Factors That Affect Paramilitary Salaries
Qualification: SSCE holders earn less than ND/HND/BSc holders.
Experience: Promotions come with time, performance, and examinations.
Risk Allowances: Agencies like NDLEA, Fire Service, and Correctional Service offer more hazard pay.
Location: Officers in high-risk or urban areas may receive added benefits.
Best Paying Paramilitary Job for SSCE Holders
For SSCE holders, the Nigeria Immigration Service, NSCDC, and FRSC offer relatively better starting pay and promotion opportunities.
Conclusion: Which Paramilitary Job Pays the Best in Nigeria 2025?
Based on 2025 salary data and benefits, the Nigeria Customs Service leads as the highest paying paramilitary job in Nigeria. It’s closely followed by Immigration and FRSC, which also offer generous allowances, training, and advancement.
Whether you're entering with a degree or SSCE, there's a suitable and rewarding path within Nigeria's paramilitary sector. Always confirm official recruitment portals and requirements before applying.