Looking for the latest Nigerian Army recruit salary and allowance per month in 2025? You're in the right place. If you're preparing for the Army recruitment, planning a military career, or just curious about how much Army recruits earn today, this article gives you all the answers.
Whether it's how much you earn during training, after passing out, allowance breakdown, promotion path, or long-term benefits — this detailed guide covers it all.
Who Is a Nigerian Army Recruit?
A Nigerian Army recruit is a newly enlisted individual undergoing basic military training to become a Soldier in the Nigerian Army. This marks the first step in a long and structured career path, starting with:
Physical training: drill, endurance, drills
Classroom instruction: military ethics, weapon handling, first aid
Field exercises: tactical movements, survival, marksmanship
Discipline routines: early wake-ups, inspections, and orderly conduct
At the end of training, successful recruits graduate and are posted as Private or Army Soldier depending on the intake year.
Nigerian Army Recruit Salary Per Month (2025)
In 2025, the Nigerian Army recruit salary has two main phases:
Training stipend
Full salary after training (as a Soldier/Private)
During Basic Training:
Recruits earn a small monthly training allowance of ₦10,000 – ₦12,000. This covers basic needs like feeding and a few personal expenses during the 6–9 months at training school.
After Passing Out (As Soldier/Private):
Once recruits graduate and are posted, the full recruit salary in 2025 ranges from ₦50,000 to ₦57,000 per month, depending on salary grade step.
| Phase | Monthly Pay (₦) |
|---|---|
| Training Allowance | ₦10,000 – ₦12,000 |
| Soldier/Private Salary | ₦50,000 – ₦57,000 |
This results in an annual basic income of ₦600,000 to ₦684,000, excluding allowances.
Breakdown of Nigerian Army Recruit Allowances
Once posted, Nigerian Army recruits can receive additional allowances based on location, assignment, and duties.
Common Allowances Include:
Barracks/Rent allowance – when official housing is full or unavailable
Feeding allowance – supplement on-base meals, especially in field conditions
Transport allowance – for internal movement or official duties
Risk/Hazard allowance – for deployments in conflict or insurgency-prone zones
Operational allowance – for specific missions or special assignments
Uniform Maintenance – for upkeep of fatigues and gear
These can add ₦10,000 to ₦40,000+ monthly, depending on where the recruit is posted. Those stationed in the Northeast or other hotspots may earn higher hardship allowances.
Salary Structure: How the Nigerian Army Pay Scale Works
The Nigerian Army operates under the CONAFSS (Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure), which groups recruits into clearly defined grades.
Training phase – Pre-CONAFSS: you receive a fixed stipend only.
Post-training – Private/Soldier enters CONAFSS grade level 07-08, with salary based on time served.
Subsequent promotions (Corporal, Sergeant, etc.) bring you into higher grades (09–11 and beyond).
To put it simply:
Private (initial posting) – ₦50,000 – ₦57,000 monthly
Corporal/LCpl – ₦65,000 – ₦80,000
Sergeant – ₦85,000 – ₦110,000
Warrant Officer & above – ₦200,000+
Training Stipend vs. Full Soldier Salary: What to Expect
During training:
A flat ₦10k–₦12k monthly stipend without allowances
Free accommodation, food, uniforms, and health coverage on base
After passing out:
The full salary structure applies – starting at ₦50k–₦57k
Military payroll via IPPIS (direct bank payments)
Inclusion in pension, NHIS, and contributory retirement schemes
How Are Nigerian Army Salaries Paid?
The Nigerian Army uses the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) to manage pay and allowances:
Before training completion, recruits provide bank and BVN details.
After graduation, full salary and allowances begin.
Monthly salary is credited between the 25th to 30th.
Deductions include pension contributions, union dues, and statutory NHIS.
Bank statements reflect both salary and allowances separately.
Nigerian Army Recruit vs Other Forces (2025 Salary Comparison)
| Security Force | Recruit Monthly Pay |
|---|---|
| Nigerian Army | ₦50,000 – ₦57,000 |
| Nigerian Navy | ₦58,000 – ₦65,000 |
| Nigerian Air Force | ₦55,000 – ₦63,000 |
| Nigerian Police | ₦54,000 – ₦62,000 |
| Civil Defence, FRSC | ₦56,000 – ₦64,000 |
While Nigerian Army recruits earn slightly less than Navy, the gap closes with allowances, especially if posted in risk areas.
Promotion Path: Climbing the Ranks and Salary Growth
Starting as a Private, recruits have room to climb:
Private
Corporal
Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Warrant Officer
(Then to commissioned ranks via specific intake schemes)
Each promotion delivers 10–40% salary increases. For example, a Sergeant may earn ₦105,000+ per month, while a Warrant Officer may exceed ₦200,000 monthly.
Cost of Living vs Nigerian Army Recruit Salary
Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:
| Expense | Cost per Month (₦) |
|---|---|
| Food (individual) | ₦20,000 – ₦30,000 |
| Transport | ₦10,000 – ₦15,000 |
| Shared Rent (off-barracks) | ₦10,000 – ₦20,000 |
| Phone & Utilities | ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 |
Total living costs range from ₦45,000 to ₦75,000 monthly depending on city and lifestyle. Barracks stay helps significantly reduce living costs.
Benefits Beyond Money: Why Join the Nigerian Army
Even with modest starting salary, serving in the Nigerian Army offers:
Job security with government pension scheme
Free training, feeding, and accommodation
Medical care and NHIS membership
Payment for specialized training courses (leadership, engineering, tech)
Retirement benefits after 20+ years of service
Access to military patronage, housing schemes, and preferential loans
Pro Tips for New Nigerian Army Recruits
Stay disciplined – Conduct and evaluations count toward promotion
Volunteer for exercises/coursework – Earn promotion faster
Accept deployment – Often comes with higher allowances
Use free benefits wisely – Save your stipends and salary
Avoid corruption & misconduct – It jeopardizes your rank
FAQs: Nigerian Army Recruit Salary & Allowance (2025)
How much do Army recruits make per month in 2025?
₦50,000–₦57,000 after passing out, plus ₦10k–₦12k during training.
When does full salary begin?
Once the recruit graduates from training and is deployed as a Private.
Do recruits stay in barracks?
Yes, during and often after training, as long as space is available.
Are allowances included automatically?
Yes, once deployed; they depend on location and assignment.
Can promotion increase salary quickly?
Yes, each rank offers higher pay and more responsibilities.
Final Thoughts: Is the Nigerian Army Recruit Salary Worth It?
The Nigerian Army recruit salary and allowance per month in 2025 offers a viable path for young Nigerians looking for stable civil service roles. With free training, food, shelter, and clear promotion structures, it’s an attractive career option for many.
Promotion, continuous duty, and discipline allow you to increase your income significantly over time. Plus, government benefits like pension, health insurance, and training add long-term value.
If you're considering joining the Nigerian Army, now you know exactly what to expect — salary, allowances, life benefits, and growth opportunities.