If you’re planning to join the Nigerian Army in 2025 or simply want to understand how much soldiers earn monthly, you’re in the right place. The Nigerian Army is not just the land force of Nigeria's Armed Forces — it’s one of the largest and most respected military institutions in Africa. With thousands of men and women in service, the Army plays a critical role in defending the nation’s sovereignty, combating insurgency, and maintaining peace and order across the country.
Whether you're aiming to become a commissioned officer through the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), applying as a direct short service officer, or entering as a recruit, it's important to know the ranks, salaries, allowances, benefits, and recruitment requirements.
In this post, I’ll be showing you the Nigerian Army salary structure for 2025, including pay by rank, benefits, and who can apply. If you've been asking questions like: What is the Nigerian Army salary in 2025?, How much does a recruit or second lieutenant earn?, What are the ranks in the Nigerian Army?, Does the Nigerian Army pay well?, What are the requirements to join the Nigerian Army in 2025? — then you’re in the right place.
What Does the Nigerian Army Do?
The Nigerian Army (NA) is a vital component of Nigeria’s national defense and security system. Its core responsibilities include:
Protecting Nigeria’s borders from external threats
Conducting land-based military operations
Supporting civil authorities during emergencies
Carrying out counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism missions
Participating in peacekeeping operations worldwide
Enforcing internal security in troubled regions
To carry out these duties effectively, the Nigerian Army recruits a wide range of personnel — from junior recruits to high-ranking officers — and pays them according to a structured salary scale.
Nigerian Army Salary Structure by Rank (2025)
Here’s the breakdown of the monthly salary structure of the Nigerian Army in 2025 based on official ranks.
Commissioned Officers' Salary
Commissioned Officers are professionally trained leaders who receive their commission from the President of Nigeria. They typically enter through the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) or Direct Short Service (DSSC/SSC).
| Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant | ₦120,000 – ₦150,000 |
| Lieutenant | ₦160,000 – ₦180,000 |
| Captain | ₦220,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Major | ₦300,000 – ₦350,000 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | ₦350,000 – ₦400,000 |
| Colonel | ₦550,000 – ₦750,000 |
| Brigadier General | ₦800,000 – ₦950,000 |
| Major General | ₦1,000,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
| Lieutenant General | ₦1,500,000 – ₦1,800,000 |
| General (COAS) | ₦2,000,000 – ₦2,500,000 |
Non-Commissioned Officers & Recruits
Non-Commissioned Officers are soldiers who rise through the ranks based on performance, discipline, and years of service. They typically enter as recruits or tradesmen.
| Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|
| Recruit (In Training) | ₦50,000 – ₦60,000 |
| Private | ₦65,000 – ₦70,000 |
| Lance Corporal | ₦70,000 – ₦75,000 |
| Corporal | ₦75,000 – ₦80,000 |
| Sergeant | ₦85,000 – ₦90,000 |
| Staff Sergeant | ₦95,000 – ₦110,000 |
| Warrant Officer | ₦120,000 – ₦150,000 |
| Master Warrant Officer | ₦160,000 – ₦180,000 |
| Army Warrant Officer | ₦180,000 – ₦200,000 |
Allowances & Benefits for Nigerian Army Personnel
In addition to the monthly salary, Army officers and soldiers receive various allowances, depending on deployment, location, and role.
Types of Allowances:
Hardship Allowance – For combat zones or high-risk areas
Operation Allowance – During special military operations
Housing Allowance – For officers without government housing
Uniform Allowance – For purchase and upkeep of military gear
Medical Benefits – Free health care for personnel (sometimes extended to family)
Transport Allowance – Especially for those on official transfer or missions
Peacekeeping Allowance – For soldiers deployed to UN missions abroad
Entry-Level Salary in the Nigerian Army (2025)
Here’s what new entrants can expect:
Recruit (During Training): ₦50,000 – ₦60,000
Private (After Passing Out): ₦65,000 – ₦70,000
Second Lieutenant (NDA Graduate): ₦120,000 – ₦150,000
These salaries increase as you move up in rank or get deployed on special assignments.
Nigerian Army Recruitment Requirements 2025: Who Can Apply?
The Nigerian Army recruits under several categories including:
Trades and Non-Trades Recruits
Direct Short Service (DSSC)
Short Service Combatant (SSC)
Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)
Here are the general eligibility requirements for 2025 recruitment:
For Recruits (Trades/Non-Trades):
Must be a Nigerian citizen by birth
Age: 18–22 years (Non-Trades); 18–26 years (Tradesmen/Women)
Minimum of 4 credits in not more than 2 sittings in WASSCE/NECO/NABTEB (including English and Mathematics)
Must be physically and medically fit
Must not be less than 1.68 meters tall (male) or 1.65 meters (female)
No criminal record
Valid means of identification (National ID, Voter Card, or NIN)
For Officers (NDA, DSSC, SSC):
Must be Nigerian by birth
Age: 22–30 years (depending on entry type)
B.Sc, HND or equivalent from a recognized institution
NYSC discharge or exemption certificate
Minimum height: 1.68m (male), 1.65m (female)
Must pass Army physical and mental screening
How to Apply for Nigerian Army Recruitment 2025
Applications are usually made online through the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal:
Choose the recruitment category (e.g., DSSC, SSC, Trades, Non-Trades)
Complete the application form with accurate information
Upload required documents (birth certificate, credentials, passport photo)
Print your acknowledgment slip
Await screening invitation
Application is free of charge. Never pay anyone claiming to “help” you secure the job.
FAQs – Nigerian Army Salary & Recruitment 2025
How long is Nigerian Army training?
Training for recruits typically lasts 6 months. Officer cadet programs can run for 9–18 months.
Do soldiers get paid during training?
Yes. Recruits earn ₦50,000–₦60,000 monthly while in training.
Can a university graduate apply as a recruit?
Yes, but it’s recommended that graduates apply for DSSC or SSC for faster career growth.
Is the Nigerian Army recruiting in 2025?
Yes. Recruitment exercises are expected to begin ahead of budgeted deployments. Always check the official portal for updates.
Is housing provided?
Yes. Barracks accommodation is available, but officers without housing may get allowances.
