Nigerian Army Ranks and Salary Structure
The Nigerian Army remains one of the most respected institutions in Africa, with thousands of patriotic men and women dedicated to defending the nation. Apart from prestige, many Nigerians are curious about the salary structure of soldiers and officers in the Army. In this guide, we break down the Nigerian Army ranks and salaries for 2025, including allowances and benefits.
Commissioned Officers Salary Structure
Commissioned officers hold leadership positions and are promoted based on performance, years of service, and training. Their salaries reflect their responsibilities.
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General (COAS) – ₦2,000,000 – ₦2,500,000 monthly
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Lieutenant General – ₦1,500,000 – ₦1,700,000 monthly
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Major General – ₦950,000 – ₦1,200,000 monthly
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Brigadier General – ₦600,000 – ₦950,000 monthly
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Colonel – ₦450,000 – ₦750,000 monthly
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Lieutenant Colonel – ₦350,000 – ₦450,000 monthly
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Major – ₦300,000 – ₦350,000 monthly
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Captain – ₦220,000 – ₦320,000 monthly
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Lieutenant – ₦160,000 – ₦180,000 monthly
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Second Lieutenant – ₦120,000 – ₦250,000 monthly
Non-Commissioned Officers & Enlisted Salary Structure
Non-commissioned officers form the backbone of the Army. They handle field duties, discipline, and ensure smooth military operations.
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Recruit / Trainee – ₦45,000 monthly
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Private – ₦77,000 monthly
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Lance Corporal – ₦80,000 monthly
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Corporal – ₦100,000 monthly
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Sergeant – ₦110,000 monthly
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Staff Sergeant – ₦160,000 monthly
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Warrant Officer – ₦200,000 monthly
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Master Warrant Officer – ₦280,000 monthly
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Army Warrant Officer – ₦300,000 monthly
Allowances & Benefits
Apart from the base salary, Nigerian soldiers receive several allowances, which often increase their total monthly income significantly.
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Housing Allowance – ₦15,000 – ₦50,000
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Transport Allowance – ₦7,000 – ₦25,000
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Uniform/Kit Allowance – ₦10,000 – ₦30,000
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Operation/Danger/Risk Allowance – ₦30,000 – ₦150,000
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Hardship Allowance – ₦10,000 – ₦50,000
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Medical Allowance – Usually fully covered
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Special Duty/Intelligence Bonus – ₦40,000 – ₦120,000
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Training Allowance – ₦10,000 – ₦40,000
These allowances often depend on the nature of duty, rank, and deployment location. Soldiers in conflict zones or on peacekeeping missions usually earn much higher.
Key Insights
The highest paid officer in the Nigerian Army is the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), earning up to ₦2.5 million monthly.
- Entry-level soldiers like recruits and privates earn between ₦45,000 – ₦100,000.
- Allowances can boost income by up to 50%, especially for officers on active operations.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Army offers not just prestige but also competitive pay and allowances, especially for those who rise through the ranks. While recruits start modestly, promotions and operational allowances can make a soldier’s income highly rewarding over time. For patriotic Nigerians seeking a career in the Army, understanding the salary structure is a vital step in preparing for service.
Do you aspire to join the Nigerian Army? Understanding the rank and salary structure helps you plan your career and know what to expect financially. Whether as a commissioned officer or enlisted soldier, your dedication and service to the nation come with both honor and reward.
