Top 10 Highest Paying Parastatals and Federal Agencies in Nigeria by Salary 2025

Looking for the Top 10 Highest Paying Parastatals in Nigeria 2025? You’re not alone. Thousands of Nigerian graduates, job seekers, and civil servants are constantly searching for reliable information about the best-paying government parastatals and agencies in Nigeria. Federal parastatals are highly sought after because of their attractive salary structures, allowances, job security, and long-term career growth opportunities.

This comprehensive guide will give you a full breakdown of the highest paying parastatals in Nigeria for 2025, including their salary structures, benefits, and reasons why these government agencies are some of the most competitive to join.

Whether you’re preparing for a federal job exam, mapping out a public sector career path, or simply researching salaries across Nigerian parastatals, this article contains all the essential details you need to know.

What Exactly Is a Parastatal in Nigeria?

A parastatal (also known as a government agency or corporation) is a semi-autonomous body created by law to carry out specific public functions. These agencies are usually under the supervision of federal ministries but operate independently to a large extent.

Parastatals are established to deliver essential public services and manage key sectors such as energy, communications, national security, transportation, and finance. Examples include the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

Why Do Nigerians Prefer Working in Federal Parastatals?

Federal parastatals are considered prime employers because of the benefits they offer. Here are some of the key reasons people compete for jobs in these agencies:

• Competitive and stable salary structures – often based on CONRAISS, CONUASS, or special pay scales.

• Job security – employment in parastatals is generally more secure compared to the private sector.

• Comprehensive allowances and benefits – including housing, transport, medical insurance, and leave bonuses.

• Attractive pension and retirement packages.

• Clear promotion paths and training opportunities.

• High professional prestige – working for a top government agency can boost your professional network and career reputation.

Top 10 Highest Paying Parastatals in Nigeria 2025

Now, let’s look at the 10 federal parastatals that pay the highest salaries in Nigeria in 2025, along with their salary breakdowns and unique benefits:

1. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

The Central Bank of Nigeria is the country’s apex financial authority and one of the most prestigious federal parastatals. It regulates Nigeria’s monetary policy and ensures financial stability, making it an attractive place to work.

• Entry-level salary: ₦350,000 – ₦500,000 monthly

• Mid-level salary: ₦750,000 – ₦1.2 million monthly

• Director-level salary: ₦2.5 million+ monthly

• Additional benefits: Transport, housing, and meal allowances, as well as performance bonuses.

Why it pays well:
The CBN’s strategic role in the economy requires hiring top professionals in finance, law, economics, and ICT. This explains its competitive salary packages.

2. Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC)

NNPC is Nigeria’s state-owned oil company and a major player in the global energy industry.

• Entry-level salary: ₦300,000 – ₦500,000 monthly

• Senior engineer salary: ₦700,000 – ₦1.5 million monthly

• Top executive salary: ₦2 million+ monthly

• Other perks: Housing allowance, medical insurance, car benefits, offshore bonuses, and international training opportunities.

Why it pays well:
As the custodian of Nigeria’s oil and gas revenues, NNPC competes with private oil multinationals for skilled talent, hence the generous pay structure.

3. Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)

NCC regulates Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, which is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy.

• Entry-level salary: ₦250,000 – ₦400,000 monthly

• Mid-level salary: ₦600,000 – ₦1 million monthly

• Senior executive salary: ₦1.8 million+ monthly

• Benefits: Data, travel, and internet allowances, among others.

Why it pays well:
NCC’s role as the regulator of a multi-trillion-naira industry means it hires top experts in law, ICT, and economics, and rewards them generously.

4. Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)

The NPA manages Nigeria’s ports and shipping activities, a sector that generates massive revenue from international trade.

• Entry-level salary: ₦200,000 – ₦350,000 monthly

• Managerial salary: ₦600,000 – ₦1 million monthly

• Executive directors: ₦1.5 million+ monthly

• Extra allowances: Housing, maritime risk, and hazard allowances.

Why it pays well:
Ports are critical to Nigeria’s economy, and the NPA maintains high salaries to retain experienced maritime professionals and customs experts.

5. Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)

FIRS is Nigeria’s leading revenue collection agency, responsible for federal tax administration.

• Entry-level salary: ₦220,000 – ₦300,000 monthly

• Tax officer salary: ₦450,000 – ₦800,000 monthly

• Director salary: ₦1.5 million+ monthly

• Perks: Fieldwork allowances, hazard pay, and performance-based bonuses.

Why it pays well:
FIRS offers performance-linked pay to encourage efficiency and attract top accountants, economists, auditors, and legal professionals.

6. Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)

NIMASA is in charge of maritime safety and labor regulation in Nigeria’s waters.

• Entry-level salary: ₦220,000 – ₦350,000 monthly

• Naval architect/surveyor salary: ₦600,000 – ₦1 million monthly

• Top management: ₦1.5 million+ monthly

• Benefits: Marine duty allowance, international travel, and risk-related perks.

Why it pays well:
Because of the global nature of shipping operations, NIMASA provides attractive packages to compete for skilled maritime professionals.

7. Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)

NUPRC regulates Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas operations.

• Entry-level salary: ₦280,000 – ₦400,000 monthly

• Mid-level engineers: ₦600,000 – ₦900,000 monthly

• Top management: ₦1.8 million+ monthly

• Extras: Housing allowances, transport benefits, field risk pay, and foreign training.

Why it pays well:
NUPRC oversees billion-dollar oil investments, requiring the best petroleum engineers, analysts, and legal experts.

8. National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)

NITDA leads Nigeria’s digital transformation and ICT development initiatives.

• Entry-level salary: ₦200,000 – ₦300,000 monthly

• Tech specialist salary: ₦500,000 – ₦800,000 monthly

• Director-level roles: ₦1.5 million monthly

• Perks: Data allowance, laptop grants, software licenses, and overseas training.

Why it pays well:
As technology drives economic growth, NITDA invests heavily in top IT talent and cybersecurity professionals.

9. National Pension Commission (PenCom)

PenCom regulates Nigeria’s pension funds and retirement benefit schemes.

• Entry-level salary: ₦180,000 – ₦280,000 monthly

• Mid-level officer salary: ₦450,000 – ₦750,000 monthly

• Director salary: ₦1.4 million monthly

• Allowances: Housing loans, retirement savings, and long-service bonuses.

Why it pays well:
Handling trillions in pension assets requires highly skilled professionals in finance, data management, and law.

10. Bank of Industry (BOI)

BOI is a development finance institution focused on boosting Nigeria’s industrial and SME sectors.

• Entry-level salary: ₦200,000 – ₦300,000 monthly

• Senior banking roles: ₦600,000 – ₦1 million monthly

• Executive management: ₦2 million+ monthly

• Bonuses: Profit-sharing, training allowance, and relocation packages.

Why it pays well:
BOI funds key industries and pays competitive salaries to attract investment bankers, financial analysts, and economists.

Summary Table: Highest Paying Parastatals in Nigeria 2025

Pro Tips for Landing Jobs in High-Paying Parastatals

• Pass federal recruitment exams: Most agencies use computer-based tests (CBT) and interviews.

• Boost your qualifications: Degrees in law, finance, engineering, and ICT are highly valued.

• Gain relevant NYSC experience: Serving in related organizations can improve your chances.

• Monitor recruitment portals: Always watch for official vacancy announcements.

• Write strong applications: Tailor your CV and cover letter for each agency’s requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which parastatal pays the highest salary in Nigeria?
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) tops the list in 2025, followed closely by NNPC.

Do parastatals pay better than federal ministries?
Yes. Parastatals often operate with special pay scales and have more allowances than regular ministries.

Can HND holders work in these agencies?
Yes, HND holders can work in parastatals, particularly in technical and administrative positions, though BSc holders may have more opportunities.

Do these jobs come with pensions and health benefits?
Absolutely. Most parastatals offer pension plans, comprehensive health insurance, and other long-term benefits.

Final Thoughts – Top 10 Highest Paying Parastatals in Nigeria 2025

If you’re aiming for a career with job security, strong salaries, and long-term benefits, working in a federal parastatal is one of the best career decisions you can make. These agencies offer competitive pay, structured promotions, and a chance to contribute to national development.

With the right qualifications, determination, and preparation, you could secure a role in one of these top-paying government agencies in 2025.