Highest Paid Forces in Nigeria 2025 and Their Salaries

The Nigerian Air Force ranks as the highest paid military arm in the country. Founded in 1964, it manages Nigeria’s aerial defense and carries out strategic missions requiring technical expertise.

A commissioned officer like an Air Marshal earns over ₦1.48 million monthly, while junior officers such as Flying Officers make around ₦218,000. Non-commissioned personnel like Aircraftmen receive between ₦45,000 and ₦55,000. Besides base salary, officers enjoy allowances for flight duties, risk, technical responsibilities, housing, and overseas training. The force also offers structured career growth and generous pensions after service.

The Nigerian Navy is responsible for defending the nation’s waters and securing maritime borders. With operational commands in Lagos, Calabar, and Bayelsa, it plays a key role in coastal defense and international peacekeeping.

Admirals earn over ₦1.5 million monthly, while mid-level officers like Commanders receive between ₦350,000 and ₦500,000. Entry-level Seamen make about ₦50,000 to ₦60,000 per month. Officers also receive sea duty, travel, and hazard allowances. The Navy’s command structure supports professional development through local and foreign courses.

The Nigerian Army, the largest branch of the Armed Forces, plays a central role in land-based military operations. It also handles internal security operations and peacekeeping missions within and outside Nigeria.

While generals receive monthly pay exceeding ₦1.5 million, lieutenants typically earn around ₦180,000. New recruits in the private rank start at ₦50,000. Officers assigned to conflict zones get operation and hazard allowances. Soldiers stationed far from their home bases benefit from housing and transport support.

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) manages revenue collection and combats smuggling across land, air, and sea borders. It offers one of the highest salary structures among paramilitary agencies.

Comptroller-Generals earn above ₦1.5 million monthly, while Controllers make up to ₦900,000. Lower ranks like Customs Assistants are paid between ₦45,000 and ₦65,000. Allowances include vehicle, uniform, risk, and duty tour packages. Customs staff working in remote or conflict-prone zones often receive additional hardship bonuses.

This agency oversees visa control, passport issuance, and border monitoring. With increasing digital transformation and international engagement, the demand for skilled immigration officers has risen.

The Comptroller-General of Immigration earns over ₦1.3 million monthly. Senior Inspectors and Superintendents are paid between ₦150,000 and ₦350,000, depending on their grade. Entry-level staff earn from ₦45,000 to ₦55,000. Officers working in border zones benefit from hardship and relocation allowances alongside transport and accommodation packages.

The NSCDC provides protection for national assets, public utilities, and disaster response teams. Their role has expanded to include intelligence support and crisis intervention in emergencies.

Commandant-Generals are paid around ₦1.2 million each month. Senior officers earn between ₦150,000 and ₦700,000 depending on rank. Lower-level staff like Corps Assistants receive around ₦45,000 to ₦60,000. Benefits include risk, hardship, and feeding allowances, with personnel deployed to high-risk zones receiving additional compensation.

The Nigerian Police Force handles law enforcement, crime prevention, and internal security. It has the broadest nationwide presence among all security bodies.

Inspectors earn around ₦120,000 monthly, while top-ranking officers like the Inspector General of Police receive ₦1.2 million or more. Constables start with salaries as low as ₦40,000. While their pay is modest compared to the military, frequent allowances for uniforms, housing, transport, and risk boost their total income.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) ensures safe road usage and enforces traffic regulations. Although not as combat-focused, their duties carry risk, especially on high-speed highways and accident-prone zones.

Road Marshal Assistants are paid around ₦40,000 to ₦55,000 monthly. Senior officers earn up to ₦700,000, and the Corps Marshal receives over ₦1 million. Officers on patrol duties often qualify for hazard and duty tour allowances. They also receive transport and maintenance stipends.

NDLEA tackles narcotic trafficking, abuse, and drug-related crimes. Given the high-risk nature of its operations, compensation is designed to attract and retain committed professionals.

Senior officers earn between ₦400,000 and ₦600,000 monthly, while the NDLEA Chairman earns over ₦1 million. New recruits like Narcotic Assistants start around ₦40,000. Risk, special assignment, and operation-specific allowances significantly raise total earnings. Officers involved in international collaborations or undercover tasks are compensated accordingly.

The Federal Fire Service manages firefighting, rescue missions, and fire prevention programs. Their responsibilities span urban and rural areas, often in dangerous or high-intensity environments.

Station Officers earn up to ₦200,000, while the Controller-General receives over ₦1 million monthly. Firemen at entry level make between ₦45,000 and ₦55,000. Hazard allowances and feeding support are standard. The service also provides maintenance stipends for protective gear and uniform replacements.

Comparing Military and Paramilitary Salaries

While the Air Force is the top earner among the military, the Customs and Immigration Services lead among paramilitary forces. Allowances and job nature often bridge the salary gap. For example, Navy officers at sea receive additional sea duty pay, just like Customs officers earn bonuses for border operations.

Ultimately, all forces offer decent remuneration with pensions, housing, and risk coverage. The Air Force leads in salary, the Navy in stability, and Customs in bonuses. Those considering a uniformed job can evaluate based on growth prospects, specialization, or lifestyle preferences.

Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.