Understanding the Nigeria Police Force salary structure is vital for anyone considering a career in law enforcement. As one of the country’s largest security institutions, the Nigeria Police plays a central role in maintaining peace, enforcing laws, and protecting citizens. This breakdown explores how much officers earn at each level, what allowances they receive, and what qualifications are needed to join the force in 2025.
Nigeria Police Force: Overview
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) operates under a defined hierarchy, where compensation corresponds with each officer’s rank and level of responsibility. Salaries range widely, from the lower ranks of police recruits to the upper tiers of commissioned officers.
- Minimum Monthly Salary: ₦43,293
- Maximum Monthly Salary: ₦3,000,000
- Average Salary Estimate: ₦371,000
- Organization Role: Law enforcement, crime prevention, and maintaining order
- Basic Eligibility: Must be a Nigerian citizen, possess a National Identification Number, and meet age, education, and fitness criteria
Core Duties of a Nigerian Police Officer
Officers in the Nigeria Police Force are responsible for various tasks, regardless of rank. Key duties include:
- Upholding law and order
- Patrolling streets and communities
- Investigating crimes
- Securing public events and elections
- Safeguarding life and property
These functions are performed by both non-commissioned and commissioned officers across different departments and zones.
Entry Requirements for Joining the Nigeria Police Force
Prospective applicants must meet specific conditions to qualify for employment in the police:
- Nigerian citizenship by birth
- Possession of a National Identification Number (NIN)
- Ages 18–25 for constable applicants
- Completion of secondary school education (SSCE/WASSCE/NECO)
- A clean criminal record
- Adequate physical and mental health
- Height: Minimum 1.68 meters for men and 1.65 meters for women
Higher ranks, such as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), require a university degree or its equivalent, along with NYSC discharge or exemption documentation.
Nigeria Police Force Salary Structure by Rank (2025)
The Nigeria police force salary structure is segmented into two main groups: commissioned and non-commissioned officers.
Non-Commissioned Officers
These officers typically join the force through the recruitment process and ascend the ranks through years of service.
| Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) | Annual Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Police Recruit | 9,019.42 | 108,233.04 |
| Constable (GL 03) | 43,293.83 | 519,525.60 |
| Corporal (GL 04) | 44,715.53 – 51,113.59 | 536,586.36 – 613,363.08 |
| Sergeant (GL 05) | 48,540.88 – 55,973.84 | 582,490.56 – 671,686.08 |
| Sergeant Major (GL 06) | 55,144.81 – 62,204.88 | 661,737.72 – 746,458.56 |
Commissioned Officers
These personnel often enter the police through higher education programs and rise in rank through promotions and assessments.
| Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) | Annual Salary (₦) |
| Assistant Superintendent (GL 08-09) | 127,604.68 – 156,318.39 | 1,531,256.16 – 1,875,820.68 |
| Deputy Superintendent (GL 10) | 148,733.29 – 170,399.69 | 1,784,799.48 – 2,044,796.28 |
| Superintendent (GL 11) | 161,478.29 – 187,616.69 | 1,937,739.48 – 2,251,400.28 |
| Chief Superintendent (GL 12) | 172,089.06 – 199,723.96 | 2,065,068.72 – 2,396,687.52 |
| Assistant Commissioner (GL 13) | 183,185.73 – 212,938.96 | 2,198,228.76 – 2,555,257.92 |
| Deputy Commissioner (GL 14) | 242,715.65 – 278,852.79 | 2,912,587.80 – 3,346,233.48 |
| Commissioner (GL 15) | 266,777.79 – 302,970.47 | 3,201,333.48 – 3,635,645.64 |
| Assistant Inspector General | 527,387.33 | 6,328,648.00 |
| Deputy Inspector General | 854,272.08 | 10,251,265.00 |
| Inspector General | 938,578.08 – 3,000,000 | 11,262,937.00 – 36,000,000 |
Allowances and Incentives
In addition to the base pay, every officer receives a package of allowances that depend on their duties, rank, and posting.
Common Police Allowances Include:
- Housing Allowance: Given to officers not living in police barracks
- Risk Allowance: Compensates officers working in volatile areas
- Transport Allowance: Covers travel expenses for official duties
- Uniform Allowance: Between ₦4,000 to ₦30,000 yearly for clothing maintenance
- Utility Allowance: Provided for electricity, water, and other public services
- Medical Allowance: Supports healthcare costs, sometimes covering family members
- Night Duty Bonus: Extra pay for officers on overnight shifts
These benefits ensure officers are supported beyond their base salary.
Recruitment and Application Process
The Nigeria Police Force announces recruitment through its official channels. Candidates must follow these steps:
- Complete an online application form via the official recruitment portal
- Upload educational and identification documents
- Attend physical and medical screening sessions
- Pass written aptitude tests and psychological evaluations
- Complete basic training at the Police Academy
The process is completely free and does not require payment at any stage.
Career Development and Promotion
Career advancement in the Nigeria Police Force depends on several factors:
- Length of service
- Training and certifications
- Performance reviews
- Availability of positions within a rank
Promotion typically brings higher pay and more responsibilities.
Nigeria Police Salary FAQs (2025)
What is the lowest-paid position in the Nigeria Police Force?
The police recruit earns the least, receiving a monthly stipend of around ₦9,019.
How much does a police constable make monthly?
Constables receive about ₦50,000 per month, not including allowances.
Who is the highest-paid officer in the Nigeria Police?
The Inspector General of Police earns up to ₦3,000,000 monthly, depending on salary adjustments.
What qualifications are needed to join the force?
The basic requirement is an SSCE certificate with at least five credits, including English and Mathematics. Higher roles require tertiary education and NYSC certification.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
Yes. For constables, the age range is 18–25 years. Graduate applicants for officer roles must be between 22–30 years.
Can graduates apply for direct officer positions?
Yes. With a university degree, you can apply for the role of Assistant Superintendent of Police.
Conclusion
The Nigeria police force salary structure provides clarity on how officers are compensated for their service. From recruits to the Inspector General, each role comes with a defined pay grade and benefits package. Understanding this system is essential for those looking to enter law enforcement or assess the pay scale of police personnel. This comprehensive guide outlined the key aspects of salaries, allowances, career growth, and requirements within the Nigerian Police Force in 2025.
Article updated 2 hours ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
