NDLEA Ranks and Salary Structure in Nigeria
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is a federal paramilitary agency in Nigeria responsible for combating drug trafficking, drug abuse, and related criminal activities. Over the years, NDLEA has remained a popular career choice due to its structured rank system, stable salary, allowances, and long-term job security.
NDLEA Rank Structure
NDLEA operates under the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS). Personnel are grouped into three major cadres based on qualification.
1. Narcotic Assistant Cadre (SSCE Holders)
This is the entry-level cadre for candidates with WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB.
- Narcotic Assistant III (NAS III)
- Narcotic Assistant II (NAS II)
- Narcotic Assistant I (NAS I)
2. Narcotic Agent Cadre (ND/NCE Holders)
This cadre is for applicants with OND or NCE certificates.
- Narcotic Agent
- Senior Narcotic Agent
- Chief Narcotic Agent
3. Superintendent Officer Cadre (HND/BSc Holders)
This cadre consists of senior officers with HND, BSc, or higher qualifications.
- Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics II
- Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics I
- Deputy Superintendent of Narcotics
- Superintendent of Narcotics
- Chief Superintendent of Narcotics
- Assistant Commander of Narcotics
- Deputy Commander of Narcotics
- Commander of Narcotics
- Assistant Chief Commander of Narcotics
- Deputy Chief Commander of Narcotics
- Chief Commander of Narcotics (Highest Rank)
NDLEA Salary Structure in Nigeria (Estimated)
Note: Salaries may vary depending on grade level, years of service, posting, and allowances.
Salary for SSCE Holders
- Narcotic Assistant III: ₦45,000 – ₦70,000
- Narcotic Assistant II: ₦50,000 – ₦73,000
- Narcotic Assistant I: ₦55,000 – ₦76,000
Salary for ND/NCE Holders
- Narcotic Agent: ₦75,000 – ₦90,000
- Senior Narcotic Agent: ₦80,000 – ₦120,000
- Chief Narcotic Agent: ₦85,000 – ₦160,000
Salary for HND/BSc Holders
- Assistant Superintendent II: ~₦120,000
- Assistant Superintendent I: ~₦150,000
- Deputy Superintendent: ~₦175,000
- Superintendent: ~₦184,000
- Chief Superintendent: ~₦203,000
- Assistant Commander: ~₦209,000
- Deputy Commander: ~₦215,000
- Commander: ~₦231,000
- Assistant Chief Commander: ~₦395,000
- Deputy Chief Commander: ~₦510,000
- Chief Commander of Narcotics: ₦700,000 – ₦850,000
NDLEA Allowances and Benefits
Apart from basic salary, NDLEA officers are entitled to:
- Hazard and risk allowance
- Housing or rent allowance
- Uniform allowance
- Medical care and health insurance
- Pension and gratuity
- Duty tour allowance
- Training allowance for recruits
Factors That Affect NDLEA Salary
NDLEA salaries depend on:
- Educational qualification
- Rank and grade level
- Years of service
- Posting location
- Special duty assignments
Conclusion
The NDLEA offers a well-structured career path, competitive salary, and attractive allowances, making it one of the most sought-after paramilitary agencies in Nigeria. Applicants with higher educational qualifications enjoy better entry ranks and faster career progression.
