-
Ikiodiete George
- 2 Min Read
Nigerian Army Official Salary & Allowance Structure 2025: How Much Do Soldiers Earn?
The Nigerian Army remains one of the most structured and respected arms of Nigeria’s defense sector. In 2025, the Army salary structure was revised to reflect the new national minimum wage, ensuring competitive compensation for officers and soldiers alike.
This guide breaks down the official salary scale, allowances, and benefits for various ranks in the Nigerian Army.
Nigerian Army Salary Structure (2025 Update)
The Nigerian Army's salary is determined by rank and years of service, with significant differences between commissioned and non-commissioned personnel.
1. Commissioned Officers
Commissioned officers are those who enter the Army with a degree or through professional military training, often from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) or Short Service programs.
|
Rank |
Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) |
|
General |
₦1,500,000 |
|
Lieutenant General |
₦1,000,000 |
|
Major General |
₦950,000 |
|
Brigadier General |
₦750,000 |
|
Colonel |
₦550,000 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
₦350,000 |
|
Major |
₦300,000 |
|
Captain |
₦220,000 |
|
Lieutenant |
₦180,000 |
|
Second Lieutenant |
₦120,000 |
2. Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)
These officers are recruited without a university degree and progress through the ranks via military service.
|
Rank |
Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) |
|
Army Warrant Officer |
₦180,000 |
|
Master Warrant Officer |
₦120,000 |
|
Warrant Officer |
₦95,000 |
|
Staff Sergeant |
₦80,000 |
|
Sergeant |
₦70,000 |
|
Corporal |
₦60,000 |
|
Lance Corporal |
₦57,000 |
|
Private |
₦50,000 – ₦60,000 |
Note: These salaries are based on 2025 updates that reflect adjustments in line with the new ₦75,000 minimum wage policy.
Allowances and Benefits in the Nigerian Army (2025)
In addition to their monthly salaries, Nigerian Army personnel receive several allowances and benefits that enhance their total income:
|
Allowance Type |
Details |
|
Ration Cash Allowance |
₦3,000 per day for feeding while on duty |
|
Housing Allowance |
Free accommodation or housing stipend |
|
Transport Allowance |
For daily and official movements |
|
Training Allowance |
Paid during initial and advanced training |
|
Operation Allowance |
For those deployed in active missions/combat |
|
Uniform and Kit Allowance |
Provision of military clothing and kits |
|
Medical and Health Care |
Free healthcare for soldiers and dependents |
|
Education Support |
Scholarships and school support for children |
Additional Benefits
- Pension and Gratuity: Paid after retirement or disengagement
- Leave Allowance: Paid during annual leave
- Life Insurance: Coverage for combat and non-combat casualties
- Career Development: Opportunities to study abroad or train with international forces
FAQs – Nigerian Army Salary & Allowance Structure
Q1: Do Nigerian soldiers get paid during training?
Yes. Recruits receive a monthly training allowance ranging from ₦12,000 to ₦30,000 depending on entry route and rank.
Q2: What is the starting salary for a Nigerian Army recruit in 2025?
A Private, which is the entry-level rank, earns around ₦50,000 to ₦60,000 per month.
Q3: Are there differences in salaries between DSSC, SSC, and NDA graduates?
Yes. NDA cadets may start slightly higher due to the longer and more intensive training, but all newly commissioned officers generally start around ₦120,000 to ₦180,000 monthly.
Q4: What’s the highest-paid position in the Nigerian Army?
The Chief of Army Staff (a General) earns up to ₦1.5 million monthly, excluding special allowances and operational bonuses.
Conclusion
With the revised 2025 salary structure, the Nigerian Army offers competitive pay and robust allowances that make military service both a patriotic and financially rewarding career. Whether you’re a prospective recruit or curious about defense sector pay, this guide gives you a full overview of what soldiers and officers earn.
