If you're planning to join the Nigerian Navy in 2025 or you're simply curious about how much naval officers earn in Nigeria, then you're in the right place. The Nigerian Navy is not just the naval warfare branch of Nigeria’s Armed Forces — it is a highly strategic maritime defense force tasked with safeguarding the nation's territorial waters, supporting internal security operations, and defending Nigeria’s maritime borders.
Whether you're aiming to become a naval officer through the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), applying via the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC), or entering as a rating (non-commissioned recruit), it’s crucial to understand the salary structure, ranks, allowances, and recruitment requirements of the Nigerian Navy.
In this post, I’ll break down the Nigerian Navy salary structure for 2025, ranks, pay by level, available benefits, and who can apply. If you’ve been asking: What is the Nigerian Navy salary in 2025? How much does a naval rating earn? What are the ranks in the Nigerian Navy? Does the Nigerian Navy pay well? What are the recruitment requirements for the Nigerian Navy in 2025? — then this article is for you.
What Does the Nigerian Navy Do?
The Nigerian Navy (NN) plays a vital role in protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests. It is one of the largest navies in Africa and operates under the Ministry of Defence.
The main responsibilities of the Nigerian Navy include:
Defending Nigeria’s territorial waters and coastline
Securing offshore oil infrastructure and national economic zones
Conducting anti-piracy and anti-smuggling operations
Participating in multinational peacekeeping missions
Providing disaster relief and humanitarian services
Supporting other armed forces during internal security operations
The Navy recruits both non-commissioned personnel (ratings) and commissioned officers, and compensates them based on a structured salary scale.
Nigerian Navy Salary Structure by Rank (2025)
Here’s the full breakdown of the monthly salary structure in the Nigerian Navy in 2025 according to ranks.
Non-Commissioned Officers & Naval Ratings (Enlisted)
These are entry-level personnel and technicians who carry out day-to-day operations under the supervision of commissioned officers.
| Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|
| Trainee (In Training) | ₦45,000 – ₦55,000 |
| Ordinary Seaman | ₦50,000 – ₦60,000 |
| Able Seaman | ₦65,000 – ₦70,000 |
| Leading Seaman | ₦75,000 – ₦85,000 |
| Petty Officer | ₦90,000 – ₦100,000 |
| Chief Petty Officer | ₦100,000 – ₦120,000 |
| Warrant Chief Petty Officer | ₦120,000 – ₦150,000 |
Commissioned Officers (NDA, DSSC, SSC)
These are trained military leaders responsible for command, navigation, engineering, and other administrative duties.
| Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|
| Midshipman (Training Officer) | ₦150,000 – ₦180,000 |
| Sub-Lieutenant | ₦180,000 – ₦220,000 |
| Lieutenant | ₦220,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Lieutenant Commander | ₦250,000 – ₦280,000 |
| Commander | ₦300,000 – ₦350,000 |
| Captain | ₦350,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Commodore | ₦600,000 – ₦800,000 |
| Rear Admiral | ₦850,000 – ₦1,000,000 |
| Vice Admiral | ₦1,200,000 – ₦1,500,000 |
| Admiral (Chief of Naval Staff) | ₦2,000,000 – ₦2,500,000 |
Allowances and Benefits for Nigerian Navy Personnel
Besides their base salaries, Navy personnel enjoy a variety of allowances depending on deployment, rank, and duties.
Common Allowances in the Nigerian Navy:
Uniform Allowance – For purchase and maintenance of military kits and gear
Hardship Allowance – Paid to those serving in high-risk coastal or offshore regions
Housing Allowance – Given if you are not living in Navy barracks or official quarters
Transport Allowance – For personnel traveling on duty
Medical Allowance – Access to free healthcare for personnel (often extended to family)
Operation Allowance – Paid during field or security operations
Peacekeeping Allowance – For those participating in international UN missions
Entry-Level Salary in the Nigerian Navy (2025)
Here’s a quick summary of what new entrants can expect to earn:
Trainee (During Basic Training): ₦45,000 – ₦55,000
Ordinary Seaman (After Training): ₦50,000 – ₦60,000
Midshipman (Officer Cadet via NDA): ₦150,000 – ₦180,000
As you gain promotions and specialize, these salaries increase significantly.
Nigerian Navy Recruitment Requirements 2025: Who Can Apply?
The Nigerian Navy conducts annual recruitment for both officers and ratings. Below are the general eligibility criteria for each category:
For Non-Commissioned Officers (Ratings):
Must be a Nigerian by birth
Age: 18–22 years
Educational qualification: At least 5 credits in WAEC/NECO/NABTEB (including English and Mathematics)
Must be physically and medically fit
Must not have any criminal record
Minimum height: 1.68 meters (male), 1.65 meters (female)
For Commissioned Officers (NDA, DSSC, SSC):
Must be Nigerian by birth
Age: 22–28 years for DSSC/SSC applicants
Degree (B.Sc or HND) in a relevant field from a recognized institution
NYSC discharge or exemption certificate
Must meet the physical and medical fitness standards
Clean criminal record
How to Apply for Nigerian Navy Recruitment 2025
To apply for the Nigerian Navy in 2025, follow these steps:
Visit the official Nigerian Navy recruitment portal: www.joinnigeriannavy.com
Select the recruitment category: Ratings, DSSC, or NDA
Fill out the application form correctly with all necessary information
Upload required documents (birth certificate, credentials, passport photo)
Submit and print your acknowledgment slip
Prepare for the screening, aptitude test, and physical fitness exercises
Note: Application is 100% free. Do not pay any individual or agent promising job placements.
FAQs – Nigerian Navy Salary & Recruitment 2025
Does the Nigerian Navy pay well?
Yes. The Navy offers competitive salaries, especially at officer levels. In addition to salaries, there are numerous allowances and benefits.
Do Navy recruits get paid during training?
Yes. Trainees earn between ₦45,000 and ₦55,000 monthly during training.
Can a graduate apply as a rating?
Yes, but graduates are advised to apply for officer positions (e.g., via DSSC or SSC) for faster career growth.
Is housing provided?
Yes. The Navy provides accommodation in barracks. If unavailable, officers receive a housing allowance.
When does the Navy recruitment start?
Recruitment usually opens in the first half of the year. Always visit the official portal for updates.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Navy offers a structured and well-compensated career path for both ratings and officers. With salaries ranging from ₦45,000 to over ₦2 million depending on rank, and numerous allowances, it remains one of the most attractive military institutions in Nigeria. If you're thinking of joining the Navy in 2025, now is the time to prepare.