Understanding the 2025 Nigerian Army salary structure is essential for anyone intending to join the force—either as a recruit, cadet, or officer—or for families wanting clarity on what military personnel earn. The Nigerian Army remains one of the largest branches of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and its salary system is structured by rank, qualifications, years of service, and allowances tied to postings or specialized duties.
This comprehensive guide breaks down every level of the Nigerian Army’s 2025 salary structure, updated ranks, training stipends, approved allowances, and factors that determine an officer’s monthly income.
1. Overview of the Nigerian Army Salary System
The Nigerian Army salary structure follows the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS), which is used to determine the monthly and annual pay for commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and other ranks. The system is structured to reflect:
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Rank
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Position/role
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Years of experience
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Special duty postings
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Hazard and operational involvement
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Location of deployment
In addition to basic salary, personnel also receive allowances, bonuses, insurance cover, housing benefits, and pension entitlements.
2. Nigerian Army Ranks (Complete List for 2025)
The Nigerian Army rank structure is divided into Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers / Other Ranks.
A. Commissioned Officers
These are officers with university degrees who enter through the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC), or Short Service Combatant (SSC) routes.
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Field Marshal (Highest honorary rank)
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General
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Lieutenant General
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Major General
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Brigadier General
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Colonel
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Lieutenant Colonel
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Major
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Captain
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Lieutenant
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Second Lieutenant
B. Non-Commissioned Officers & Other Ranks
These are soldiers who join through recruit training and rise through internal promotion.
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Warrant Officer Class I
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Warrant Officer Class II
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Staff Sergeant
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Sergeant
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Corporal
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Lance Corporal
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Private / Recruit (PTE)
3. Nigerian Army Salary Structure 2025 (Rank-by-Rank Breakdown)
Below is the estimated 2025 salary breakdown (monthly and sometimes annual) across all ranks, based on publicly available military pay data and 2025 updates.
A. Commissioned Officers Salary (Monthly Estimates, 2025)
| Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|
| Field Marshal | Honorary / Appointed |
| General | ₦1,700,000 – ₦2,300,000 |
| Lieutenant General | ₦1,300,000 – ₦1,700,000 |
| Major General | ₦950,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
| Brigadier General | ₦750,000 – ₦900,000 |
| Colonel | ₦550,000 – ₦750,000 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | ₦350,000 – ₦480,000 |
| Major | ₦300,000 – ₦360,000 |
| Captain | ₦250,000 – ₦300,000 |
| Lieutenant | ₦180,000 – ₦220,000 |
| Second Lieutenant | ₦150,000 – ₦180,000 |
B. Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers’ Salary (Monthly Estimates, 2025)
| Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|
| Warrant Officer I | ₦120,000 – ₦160,000 |
| Warrant Officer II | ₦100,000 – ₦140,000 |
| Staff Sergeant | ₦95,000 – ₦120,000 |
| Sergeant | ₦85,000 – ₦110,000 |
| Corporal | ₦70,000 – ₦90,000 |
| Lance Corporal | ₦55,000 – ₦70,000 |
| Private | ₦48,000 – ₦60,000 |
| Recruit (Training Stage) | ₦10,000 – ₦15,000 (training allowance) |
4. Nigerian Army Training Allowance 2025 (Recruits & Cadets)
A. Recruit Training Allowance (Depot Zaria / Initial Training)
Recruits undergoing basic training receive:
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₦10,000 – ₦15,000 monthly
This covers personal needs; feeding, accommodation, uniforms, and medical care are provided by the Army.
B. Cadet Training Allowance (NDA/DSSC/SSC)
Officer cadets typically earn:
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₦25,000 – ₦50,000 monthly, depending on entry type:
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NDA Regular Cadets: ₦30,000 – ₦50,000
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DSSC/SSC Cadets: ₦25,000 – ₦35,000
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Cadets also receive complete military kits, accommodation, feeding, and medical services.
5. Nigerian Army Allowances 2025 (Full List)
The Nigerian Army offers several allowances that significantly increase total monthly earnings. These allowances depend on deployment, location, and specialization.
A. Common Allowances for All Personnel
| Allowance | Details |
|---|---|
| Housing Allowance | Given when personnel are not provided accommodation; varies by rank |
| Transport Allowance | Depends on posting and rank |
| Uniform Allowance | Covers military kits and uniforms |
| Utility Allowance | Electricity, water, and basic welfare support |
| Leave Allowance | Paid during annual leave period |
| Medical Care | Free medical treatment for soldiers; subsidized for families |
B. Specialized / Duty-Based Allowances
| Allowance | Who Receives It |
|---|---|
| Operation Allowance | Personnel deployed for internal or external operations (e.g., Northeast) |
| Hazard Allowance | For high-risk missions and volatile regions |
| Field Allowance | For active field assignments |
| Hardship Allowance | For difficult terrains or harsh environments |
| Deployment Allowance | For foreign peacekeeping missions |
| Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) | For short official movements |
| Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) | When feeding is not provided |
These allowances can significantly boost total monthly income—sometimes by as much as 50%–200% depending on location and mission.
6. Factors That Determine a Soldier’s Earnings in 2025
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Rank – Higher rank = higher salary and allowances.
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Years of Service – Seniority and promotions increase pay grade.
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Operation Involvement – Soldiers in active operations earn additional allowances.
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Special Skills – Pilots, engineers, medics, and intelligence officers receive extra pay.
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Deployment Location – Remote and high-risk zones attract more benefits.
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Commission Type – DSSC/SSC vs. regular commission can influence starting pay.
7. Additional Benefits of the Nigerian Army
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Pension & gratuity after retirement
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Access to post-service programs (NAPL, resettlement training)
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Subsidized accommodation
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Insurance cover during operations
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Military schools for children
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Free/subsidized healthcare
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Training opportunities abroad
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Career stability and national service honor
8. Comparison: Army Salary vs. Other Military Services (2025 Overview)
| Service | Salary Trend Comparison |
|---|---|
| Nigerian Army | Largest force; structured allowances based on frequent deployments |
| Nigerian Navy | Similar pay grades but higher sea-duty allowances |
| Nigerian Air Force | Includes additional flying/hazard allowances for aircrew |
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the Nigerian Army salary enough?
While basic salary may appear modest, combined allowances (housing, hazard, ops, etc.) significantly boost total income—especially for deployed personnel.
2. Do trainees receive salary?
Trainees receive training allowance, not full salary. Full pay starts after passing out.
3. Do soldiers get paid during operations?
Yes. Operation, hazard, and duty allowances apply.
4. Is accommodation provided?
Yes, but when unavailable, soldiers receive housing allowance.
5. Do officers earn more than soldiers?
Yes. Commissioned officers earn the highest salaries in the military.
10. Final Thoughts
The Nigerian Army salary structure for 2025 reflects both the hierarchy of ranks and the realities of military duties. While the basic salary provides a stable foundation, it is the allowances—particularly for operations, hazard, lodging, and logistics—that make military remuneration competitive.
For recruits, cadets, and aspiring officers, this salary breakdown provides a clear picture of what to expect at each stage of service.
