Thinking about joining the Nigerian Army and curious about how much a soldier earns monthly in 2025? You’re not alone. Thousands of Nigerians are now seeking verified information about soldier salary, allowance and rank structure in Nigeria — especially amid current economic realities, rising job competition, and interest in stable government jobs.
This detailed guide covers everything you need to know from the basic salary of recruits to the highest-ranking military officers in Nigeria, with a breakdown of all key allowances, ranks, promotion structures, and what affects total take-home pay.
Summary: Soldier Salary and Allowances in Nigeria (2025)
| Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) | Allowances (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Recruit / Trainee | ₦45,000 – ₦55,000 | ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 |
| Private / Lance Corporal | ₦58,000 – ₦75,000 | ₦10,000 – ₦25,000 |
| Corporal / Sergeant | ₦80,000 – ₦95,000 | ₦25,000 – ₦40,000 |
| Warrant Officer Levels | ₦100,000 – ₦160,000 | ₦40,000 – ₦60,000 |
| Lieutenant – Major | ₦180,000 – ₦300,000+ | ₦60,000 – ₦100,000 |
| Colonel – General | ₦500,000 – ₦1,500,000+ | ₦100,000 – ₦400,000+ |
Who Is a Soldier in Nigeria?
A soldier in Nigeria refers to an enlisted or commissioned officer serving under the Nigerian Army, which is part of the Nigerian Armed Forces alongside the Airforce and Navy. Soldiers are trained professionals responsible for defending the nation’s territory, handling internal conflicts, participating in peacekeeping missions, and enforcing military operations when called upon.
Their salary, allowance and rank structure is guided by the Federal Government of Nigeria and regulated under the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS).
Nigerian Soldier Salary Per Month (2025)
The monthly soldier salary in Nigeria varies by rank, years of service, and deployment. Let’s break down the 2025 monthly earnings:
Entry-Level Soldier Salary (Recruit to Lance Corporal)
Recruit/Trainee: ₦45,000 – ₦55,000 per month
While undergoing training at NDA or any military training camp.
Private/Lance Corporal: ₦58,000 – ₦75,000
The first formal deployment rank after training. Involves basic field operations, duties in barracks, and peacekeeping missions.
Mid-Level Soldier Salary (Corporal to Warrant Officer)
Corporal: ₦80,000+
Sergeant: ₦90,000 – ₦95,000
Staff Sergeant/Warrant Officer: ₦100,000 – ₦160,000
These soldiers take on unit responsibilities, tactical supervision, and operational command support. They also receive higher command allowances.
Commissioned Officer Salary (Lieutenant to Major)
Lieutenant: ₦180,000
Captain: ₦220,000
Major: ₦300,000+
These are university graduates who joined as commissioned officers. They lead teams, command platoons, and act as tactical decision-makers.
Senior Officer Salary (Colonel to General)
Colonel: ₦500,000 – ₦650,000
Brigadier General: ₦750,000 – ₦900,000
Major General – General: ₦1,000,000 – ₦1,500,000+
These are top military leaders responsible for full battalions, strategic planning, defence policy, and war command.
Soldier Allowances in Nigeria (2025)
In addition to basic salary, Nigerian soldiers are entitled to several allowances, which are usually based on their deployment, rank, risk level, and operation.
Key Allowances for Soldiers
Hazard Allowance – ₦15,000 to ₦50,000
For high-risk assignments or war zone deployments.Operation Allowance – ₦30,000+
Paid to soldiers actively engaged in operations like Boko Haram fight, peacekeeping, or foreign missions.Uniform/Ration Allowance – ₦5,000 to ₦15,000
For uniforms, boots, and meal support.Hardship Allowance – ₦10,000 to ₦40,000
For soldiers posted in harsh or difficult terrain.Housing Allowance – ₦20,000 to ₦50,000
Paid when barracks are not available.Transport & Logistics Allowance – ₦7,000 – ₦20,000
Based on distance and assignments.
Allowances can boost a soldier’s monthly earnings significantly sometimes adding up to 50% of their basic salary.
Nigerian Army Rank Structure
Ranks in the Nigerian Army determine both the salary level and command authority. Ranks are divided into:
1. Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)
Recruit
Private
Lance Corporal
Corporal
Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Warrant Officer
Master Warrant Officer
2. Commissioned Officers
Second Lieutenant
Lieutenant
Captain
Major
Lieutenant Colonel
Colonel
Brigadier General
Major General
Lieutenant General
General
How Promotions Affect Soldier Salary
Promotions happen based on service duration, training, merit, performance in operations, and exams.
Each promotion leads to a higher pay band and increased allowance bracket.
For example, moving from Lance Corporal to Corporal can boost pay by over ₦10,000/month.
Officers who undergo additional training like Staff College or Defence Academy qualify for leadership positions with significantly higher pay.
How Soldiers Are Paid in Nigeria
Salaries are paid through IPPIS (Integrated Payroll System) by the Federal Government.
Payments go directly into the soldier’s bank account every month.
Allowances may be paid separately based on deployment or approval from Defence HQ.
Soldiers also receive PENCOM pension contributions for post-retirement earnings.
Nigerian Soldier Salary vs Other Security Agencies (2025)
| Security Agency | Entry-Level Salary (₦) | Top Rank Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Nigerian Army | ₦45,000 – ₦55,000 | ₦1,500,000+ |
| Nigerian Police | ₦50,000 – ₦65,000 | ₦1,200,000+ |
| NSCDC (Civil Defence) | ₦47,000 – ₦62,000 | ₦900,000+ |
| FRSC (Road Safety) | ₦46,000 – ₦58,000 | ₦850,000+ |
| Nigerian Navy (recruit) | ₦45,000 – ₦60,000 | ₦1,400,000+ |
| Nigerian Airforce (recruit) | ₦45,000 – ₦65,000 | ₦1,300,000+ |
The soldier salary in Nigeria is among the highest in terms of risk allowance and operation-based earnings.
Benefits of Becoming a Nigerian Soldier in 2025
Job Security: Government-backed employment with pensions.
Promotion Pathways: Clear rank progression every few years.
Training Opportunities: Tactical, medical, weapon handling, leadership.
Housing and Welfare: Access to barracks and military hospitals.
Respect and National Duty: High societal recognition and honour.
Common Questions About Soldier Salary and Rank in Nigeria
How much does a Nigerian soldier earn monthly in 2025?
From ₦45,000 as a recruit to ₦1.5 million+ for generals, depending on rank and allowances.
Do soldiers get paid during training?
Yes. Recruits receive ₦45,000–₦55,000 monthly during basic military training.
Which is higher: Army or Police salary?
Army salaries often surpass police salaries due to operation allowances and hazard benefits.
Do Nigerian soldiers pay tax?
Yes. Like other civil servants, soldiers pay income tax deducted at source.
Are soldiers entitled to pension after retirement?
Yes. They receive PENCOM contributions and monthly pension after full service.
Final Thoughts: Is the Nigerian Soldier Salary Worth It in 2025?
If you're asking whether a career in the Army is financially worth it, the answer is yes — for the right person. The soldier salary, allowance and rank structure in Nigeria (2025) offers stability, opportunity for promotion, and additional earnings through operations and allowances.
However, the job comes with real risks and demands discipline, loyalty, and resilience.
If you're physically fit, mentally strong, and passionate about serving Nigeria, becoming a soldier can be both honorable and rewarding.