Are you a Nigerian graduate wondering which paramilitary agency pays better in 2025 — Nigeria Immigration Service or the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)? You’re not alone. Thousands of BSc and HND holders are asking the same question as they prepare for federal job applications.
Whether you're applying for the next recruitment, comparing salaries after getting shortlisted, or just gathering career information, this guide will break it all down. From salary levels to allowances, promotion paths, and job conditions, we’ll help you understand the difference between Civil Defence and Immigration salary for graduates in Nigeria 2025.
Let’s begin by understanding how both agencies pay their graduate officers.
Immigration vs Civil Defence for Graduates
Both Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigeria Civil Defence (NSCDC) operate under the Ministry of Interior. They are federal paramilitary agencies and use the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS) to determine staff pay.
As a graduate (BSc or HND holder), you will start in both agencies at Level 07 or 08, depending on your qualification.
But which one pays more? Let’s break it down.
Graduate Entry Rank in Nigeria Immigration (2025)
If you apply to the Nigeria Immigration Service with a BSc, you will be placed on the Superintendent Cadre.
Entry Rank:
Rank: Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI II)
Level: CONPASS 08
Qualification: BSc or BA
For HND holders:
Rank: Inspector of Immigration
Level: CONPASS 07
Graduate Entry Rank in Civil Defence (2025)
In the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, BSc holders are placed under the Superintendent Cadre as well.
Entry Rank:
Rank: Assistant Superintendent of Corps II (ASC II)
Level: CONPASS 08
Qualification: BSc or BA
For HND holders:
Rank: Inspector of Corps
Level: CONPASS 07
So in terms of entry rank, both agencies place graduates on similar salary levels.
Nigeria Immigration Salary for Graduates in 2025
Let’s look at the monthly and annual salary breakdown for graduate officers in Nigeria Immigration.
For BSc Holders (ASI II – Level 08):
Basic Salary: ₦130,000 – ₦150,000
Allowances (housing, uniform, transport): ₦40,000 – ₦60,000
Total Monthly Salary: ₦170,000 – ₦210,000
Annual Salary: ₦2,040,000 – ₦2,520,000
For HND Holders (Inspector – Level 07):
Basic Salary: ₦100,000 – ₦120,000
Total Monthly Pay (with allowances): ₦140,000 – ₦170,000
Civil Defence Salary for Graduates in 2025
Now let’s break down the current Civil Defence salary structure for BSc and HND holders.
For BSc Holders (ASC II – Level 08):
Basic Salary: ₦130,000 – ₦150,000
Allowances (housing, hazard, transport): ₦40,000 – ₦50,000
Total Monthly Salary: ₦170,000 – ₦200,000
Annual Salary: ₦2,040,000 – ₦2,400,000
For HND Holders (Inspector – Level 07):
Basic Salary: ₦100,000 – ₦120,000
Total Monthly Pay: ₦140,000 – ₦165,000
Nigeria Immigration vs Civil Defence Salary: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a clear side-by-side table comparing both agencies:
| Category | Immigration (NIS) | Civil Defence (NSCDC) |
|---|---|---|
| BSc Entry Rank | ASI II (Level 08) | ASC II (Level 08) |
| Monthly Pay (BSc) | ₦170,000 – ₦210,000 | ₦170,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Annual Pay (BSc) | ₦2.04m – ₦2.52m | ₦2.04m – ₦2.40m |
| HND Entry Rank | Inspector (Level 07) | Inspector (Level 07) |
| Monthly Pay (HND) | ₦140,000 – ₦170,000 | ₦140,000 – ₦165,000 |
| Housing Allowance | Yes | Yes |
| Hazard Allowance | Yes (in some roles) | Yes (standard) |
| Training Stipend | ₦20k – ₦30k/month | ₦25k – ₦35k/month |
| Pension and Health Care | Yes | Yes |
Which Pays Better — Civil Defence or Immigration?
✅ Monthly Salary:
Immigration offers a slightly higher maximum monthly salary for BSc holders (up to ₦210,000 vs ₦200,000). So Immigration pays a bit more.
✅ Annual Earnings:
Immigration’s top range (₦2.52m) is slightly higher than NSCDC’s ₦2.4m.
✅ Allowances:
Both agencies offer similar allowances — housing, transport, uniform, and medical. However, Civil Defence tends to give hazard allowances more frequently, especially in high-risk areas.
✅ Training:
Both require graduates to undergo training with similar stipends. Civil Defence training may be slightly longer and more intensive in community safety and disaster response.
Promotion Opportunities in Both Agencies
Immigration:
Starts at ASI II (Level 08)
Can rise to Comptroller General (Level 17)
Promotion every 3–5 years with exams and performance review
Civil Defence:
Starts at ASC II (Level 08)
Can rise to Commandant General (Level 17)
Promotions also every 3–5 years with structured exams
No major difference in promotion timing, but NSCDC has broader roles which may offer more transferable experience to other agencies.
Work Conditions: Civil Defence vs Immigration
Civil Defence:
Community-level security, pipeline protection, public safety
Often works with Police, Fire, and Road Safety
Higher exposure to field operations in local areas
May face more physical field work (e.g., protests, disasters)
Immigration:
Border patrols, passport issuance, migration control
Works at land borders, seaports, airports
Could involve more documentation and administrative duties
Has overseas posting opportunities in immigration attaché roles
Civil Defence is more physical, while Immigration has more travel and documentation work.
Pros and Cons of Joining Nigeria Immigration as a Graduate
✅ Pros:
Slightly higher salary
Travel opportunities (airports, embassies)
Structured administrative career
Good for law or political science graduates
❌ Cons:
Some remote or border postings
High discipline required
Promotion may be slow without exams
Pros and Cons of Joining Civil Defence as a Graduate
✅ Pros:
Balanced salary
Hazard allowances available
Work across various units (safety, pipeline, disaster)
Easier redeployment within Nigeria
❌ Cons:
More physical or stressful duties
May be posted to unrest-prone zones
Less opportunity for international transfer
Which Is Better for Graduates: Immigration or Civil Defence?
Choose Immigration If:
You want a slightly higher salary
You prefer administrative or document-based work
You want international posting potential
You studied international relations or law
Choose Civil Defence If:
You want hands-on community protection duties
You prefer working in safety, fire response, and disaster relief
You value hazard allowance and more general duties
You studied public safety, disaster management, or sociology
Both jobs are federal, pensionable, and respected. Your choice should depend on personal interest and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which agency pays more — Immigration or Civil Defence?
Immigration offers a slightly higher monthly salary for graduates in 2025.
What is the Civil Defence salary per month for BSc holders in 2025?
₦170,000 to ₦200,000 including allowances.
What is the Immigration salary per month for BSc holders in 2025?
₦170,000 to ₦210,000 including allowances.
Do both agencies provide housing allowance?
Yes. Both provide housing, transport, uniform, and other allowances.
Which agency has easier promotion?
Both have structured promotion paths, but performance and exams are required in each.
Final Verdict: Immigration vs Civil Defence Salary for Graduates 2025
When it comes to Civil Defence vs Immigration salary for graduates in Nigeria 2025, both agencies offer competitive pay, similar entry ranks, and good allowances. However, Nigeria Immigration Service slightly leads in salary range, while Civil Defence offers more physical field opportunities and hazard allowances.
If salary is your top concern, Immigration might be the better option. If you prefer safety and rescue operations with a chance for direct public service, Civil Defence is an excellent choice.
Whichever you choose, both careers offer federal job security, benefits, and growth potential for Nigerian graduates.