Understanding the salary structure of the Nigeria Power Holding Company formerly known as the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) is vital for anyone interested in working in Nigeria’s power sector or simply seeking to understand how the workforce in this essential industry is compensated.

Over the years, the electricity sector in Nigeria has undergone privatization, rebranding, and restructuring. Yet, many Nigerians still refer to the national electricity company as NEPA, even though it has been officially known as the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), and now various successor companies after privatization.

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the PHCN/NEPA salary structure in 2025, covering entry-level pay, professional roles, allowances, bonuses, and career prospects. We will also compare salaries across different job levels and discuss the benefits of working in the Nigerian power sector.

If you are considering a career in electricity generation, transmission, or distribution in Nigeria, this guide answers all your questions about pay, perks, and prospects.

Introduction to PHCN/NEPA and Its Evolution

The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) was established as the successor to NEPA following reforms in Nigeria’s power sector aimed at privatizing electricity generation and distribution.

Key Milestones:

• NEPA Era: Until 2005, NEPA was the state-owned monopoly handling generation, transmission, and distribution.

• PHCN Era: Between 2005–2013, NEPA was renamed PHCN as preparations for privatization began.

• Post-Privatization: Since 2013, PHCN was unbundled into about 18 companies — 6 generation companies (GenCos), 11 distribution companies (DisCos), and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

Despite these changes, the general salary structure of the power sector employees has remained within comparable bands and is still informally called “PHCN salary structure.”

Why Understanding PHCN/NEPA Salary Structure Matters

If you’re interested in working in Nigeria’s power sector, knowing the salary structure helps you:

• Plan your career path

• Set realistic expectations

• Negotiate better offers

• Compare opportunities with other sectors

It also gives the public insight into how much Nigeria invests in the workforce that powers the economy.

Overview of PHCN/NEPA Salary System in 2025

PHCN/NEPA salaries are structured based on:

• Job category (technical, administrative, management)

• Level of education and professional certifications

• Years of experience

• Union agreements and government wage policies

Pay varies significantly between entry-level technicians and senior management in Generation, Distribution, and Transmission arms.

On average:

• Entry-level salaries in PHCN in 2025 range from ₦100,000–₦150,000/month.

• Mid-level professionals earn between ₦200,000–₦400,000/month.

• Senior management & directors can earn ₦500,000–₦1,000,000/month or more.

Entry-Level Salary at PHCN/NEPA

Fresh graduates and technicians entering the power sector can expect:

• Technical roles (e.g., junior engineer, maintenance staff): ₦120,000–₦150,000/month

• Administrative roles: ₦100,000–₦130,000/month

• Field operatives: ₦90,000–₦120,000/month

Entry-level positions also attract allowances, which we’ll cover below.

Salaries by Job Role at PHCN/NEPA

Engineers

• Entry-level Engineer: ₦150,000–₦180,000/month

• Senior Engineer: ₦300,000–₦450,000/month

• Chief Engineer: ₦500,000–₦700,000/month

Technicians & Field Workers

• Junior Technician: ₦90,000–₦120,000/month

• Senior Technician: ₦150,000–₦220,000/month

• Maintenance Supervisor: ₦250,000–₦300,000/month

Administrative & Support Staff

• Entry-level Admin Staff: ₦100,000–₦130,000/month

• Mid-level Admin: ₦180,000–₦250,000/month

• HR/Finance Managers: ₦350,000–₦500,000/month

Management & Executive Roles

• Regional Manager: ₦600,000–₦850,000/month

• Executive Director: ₦1,000,000–₦1,500,000/month

Allowances and Bonuses at PHCN/NEPA

In addition to basic salaries, PHCN/NEPA employees enjoy several allowances:

• Housing allowance: ₦20,000–₦50,000/month

• Transport allowance: ₦15,000–₦30,000/month

• Hazard allowance (for field workers): ₦10,000–₦25,000/month

• Leave allowance: One month’s salary annually

• Medical insurance & pension contributions

Performance bonuses are also given based on company profitability and employee appraisals.

Factors Affecting Salaries at PHCN/NEPA

Salaries can differ based on:

• The specific successor company (GenCo, DisCo, TCN)

• Location (Lagos & Abuja postings usually pay more)

• Department (engineering & operations often earn more than admin)

• Certifications (e.g., COREN certification for engineers)

Comparison of PHCN/NEPA Salaries to Other Sectors

When compared to similar industries:

• Higher than public school teachers and nurses.

• Comparable to oil and gas entry-level positions but lower at senior levels.

• Better than average private sector jobs for entry-level staff.

Career Progression in the Nigerian Power Sector

Employees at PHCN/NEPA can advance through:

• Technical promotions (e.g., Junior Engineer → Senior Engineer → Chief Engineer → Manager)

• Administrative ladder (e.g., Officer → Supervisor → Manager → Director)

Professional certifications and training significantly accelerate career growth.

Summary Table: PHCN/NEPA Salary Structure in Nigeria (2025)

FAQs About PHCN/NEPA Salary in Nigeria

1. What is the starting salary at PHCN/NEPA in 2025?

The starting salary ranges between ₦100,000 and ₦150,000/month, depending on role and location.

2. Do PHCN/NEPA employees get allowances?

Yes, they receive housing, transport, hazard, and leave allowances, among others.

3. Which department earns the most at PHCN/NEPA?

Engineering and management positions typically earn more than administrative or field roles.

4. Is the salary structure the same in all successor companies?

Not exactly; it varies slightly among the GenCos, DisCos, and TCN.

5. Do PHCN/NEPA employees pay tax?

Yes, salaries are subject to Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax deductions.

6. How often are salaries reviewed at PHCN/NEPA?

Usually every few years, aligned with union negotiations and inflation rates.

7. Can PHCN/NEPA salaries compete with oil and gas?

At entry-level, yes. But oil and gas senior roles typically pay much higher.

8. Is there job security at PHCN/NEPA?

Yes, especially for permanent staff, though contract workers have less security.

9. Do field workers earn more than office staff?

Field workers often earn slightly more due to hazard allowances.

10. What is the highest-paying role at PHCN/NEPA?

Executive Directors and Managing Directors, who can earn over ₦1.5 million/month.

Conclusion

The PHCN/NEPA salary structure in 2025 reflects the importance of the electricity sector to Nigeria’s economy. With competitive pay, numerous allowances, and solid career progression opportunities, it remains an attractive option for professionals in engineering, administration, and technical fields.

Whether you’re just starting your career or planning to transition into the power sector, this guide gives you everything you need to understand how much you can earn and how to navigate your way up the ladder.