This is the Nigerian Army Officer’s current Salaries structure and the Updated Breakdown of their ranks. The Nigerian army is the biggest part of Nigeria’s military and it is important to know how much the government pays the Nigerian Army officers (their salaries) for their service. It is in charge of land battles. The Nigerian Army Council manages it. If you want to apply for military jobs in Nigeria, check for the latest openings from the links on this page.
Right now, the Nigerian army is one of the best-equipped land forces in Africa. It is also one of the largest armies globally. It is been dealing with many challenges, especially the Boko Harram insurgency.
The Nigerian army started in 1900 as the Royal West African Frontier Force. The British trained them and they also fought in World War II, mostly in the Far East. After the Nigerian civil war, the army grew from 18,000 to 126,000 soldiers back then.
Currently, Nigeria’s armed forces are substantial—among the largest in sub-Saharan Africa. With around 230,000 active-duty personnel, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, plus additional paramilitary and police units, Nigeria maintains a robust defense capacity relative to its regional peers. Written below is an up-to-date size of Nigeria’s military forces:
Active Military Personnel in Nigeria
- According to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the country has approximately 230,000 active military personnel, making it one of Africa’s largest active-duty forces.
- The Global Fire Power Index 2024 also ranks Nigeria as the third strongest military force in Africa, with about 230,000 active military members, trailing only Egypt and Algeria.
- Supplementing this, reports:
- 223,000 active personnel
- Reserve personnel: ~80,000
- Paramilitary forces: ~82,000
It further breaks down by branch: ~180,000 Army, ~25,000 Navy, and ~18,000 Air Force personnel.
Branch-Level Numbers
- Nigerian Army: Around 160,000 soldiers (2020 data)
- Nigerian Air Force: Roughly 18,000 active personnel,
- Paramilitary / Security Corps:
- The Nigerian Mobile Police (MOPOL): ~40,000 officers
- The Nigeria Police Force overall boasts ~371,800 sworn officers (though not part of the armed forces)
Table Showing the Number Nigeria Military Personnel
| Military Branch / Group | Approximate Personnel |
|---|---|
| Total Armed Forces | 223,000–230,000 |
| Army | ~160,000 |
| Navy | ~25,000 |
| Air Force | ~18,000 |
| Paramilitary / Police Corps | ~40,000–80,000 |
Nigerian Military Salary Structure
A lot of Nigerians believe that soldiers get a big monthly salary. But the truth is, their pay is much lower than the risks they face every day while protecting Nigeria and its people.
If you have been searching for how much Nigerian army officers earn, you are in the right place to find that info.
Pay Scale for Non-Commissioned Officers (Nigerian Army Salaries)
Here’s the most accurate breakdown I found regarding the salary scales of Nigeria’s military personnel by rank, specifically focusing on the Nigerian Army, which typically aligns across branches:
Nigerian Army Rank & Salary Scale (2025 Estimates)
Commissioned Officers
According to multiple Federal Government–approved sources, here’s the monthly salary by rank:
| Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|
| General (COAS) | ₦1,500,000 – ₦2,000,000 |
| Lieutenant General | ₦1,000,000 – ₦1,500,000 |
| Major General | ₦950,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
| Brigadier General | ₦750,000 – ₦950,000 |
| Colonel | ₦550,000 – ₦750,000 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | ₦350,000 – ₦450,000 |
| Major | ₦300,000 – ₦350,000 |
| Captain | ₦220,000 – ₦310,000 |
| Lieutenant | ₦160,000 – ₦270,000 |
| Second Lieutenant | ₦120,000 – ₦250,000 |
Non–Commissioned Officers (NCOs) & Recruits
| Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|
| Recruit (in training) | ₦50,000 – ₦70,000 |
| Private | ₦65,000 – ₦90,000 |
| Lance Corporal | ₦70,000 – ₦100,000 |
| Corporal | ₦75,000 – ₦110,000 |
| Sergeant | ₦85,000 – ₦140,000 |
| Staff Sergeant | ₦95,000 – ₦160,000 |
| Warrant Officer | ₦120,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Master Warrant Officer | ₦160,000 – ₦230,000 |
| Army Warrant Officer | ₦180,000 – ₦280,000 |
Private’s Earnings
In the Nigerian Army, a Private earns approximately N49,000, while a Lance Corporal receives around N55,000. If someone holds the rank of Corporal, their monthly pay is N58,000. Upon promotion to the rank of Sergeant, the monthly salary increases to N63,000.
Sergeant’s Salary
In the role of a Staff Sergeant, the pay is N68,000.
Warrant Officer’s Salary
Upon achieving the rank of a Warrant Officer through promotion, the monthly salary will increase to N80,000.
Master Warrant Officer’s Salary
The next rank is that of a Master Warrant Officer, who receives a monthly payment of N90,000.
Earnings for Commissioned Officers (Nigerian Army Salaries)
Second Lieutenant’s Pay
The lowest rank in the Nigerian army is the Second Lieutenant, and they receive a monthly salary of approximately N165,000. The next rank is the Lieutenant.
Lieutenant’s Salary
A Lieutenant in the Nigerian army earns a salary of N180,000.
Captain’s Salary
A Captain is next is rank and he is paid N220,000. The next rank is that of a Major and he receives N300,000 every month as take home pay.
Major’s Salary
The next rank is that of a Major and he receives N300,000 every month as take home pay.
Colonel’s Salary
A Colonel gets promoted to the rank of a Brigadier General next. At this rank, he will be paid N750,000 every month.
Brigadier’s Salary
Upon promotion from Brigadier General to Major General, the monthly salary increases to N950,000. The next rank after Major General is Lieutenant General, which raises the salary to N1 million.
General’s Salary
Upon achieving the esteemed rank of a full General in the Nigerian Army, a military officer’s monthly salary reaches a substantial N1.5 million. This significant increase in compensation reflects the highest level of authority and leadership within the military hierarchy.
Generals hold critical strategic positions and bear immense responsibilities in decision-making, planning, and overseeing military operations.
This pay scale reflects the Nigerian Army’s recognition of the immense commitment and sacrifices made by officers who attain the prestigious rank of General, as they play pivotal roles in safeguarding the nation’s security and stability.
Differences and Comparisons of Military Ranks Salary
- A widely referenced salary guide mirrors these figures, confirming e.g. that a General earns around ₦1.5 million monthly, while a Lieutenant General earns around ₦1 million.
- Historical data from 2024 aligns closely—for instance, a Captain earned around ₦220,000, a Major roughly ₦300,000, and Privates about ₦50,000 per month.
- The variations stem from incremental updates consistent with the national minimum wage (₦70,000 in 2025) and allowances. These include operational, hazard, hardship, and special-duty bonuses, which significantly enhance take-home earnings.
Conclusion of Nigerian Army Salaries Payslips
In summary, this comprehensive breakdown of Nigerian Army officers’ present salaries provides important information of the financial details of their service to the nation. Furthermore, it is now seen that military officers in Nigeria are paid at different rates, depending on their ranks and promotions.
- Commissioned officers earn salaries ranging from around ₦120,000 for Second Lieutenants to up to ₦2,000,000 for top generals.
- Enlisted personnel and NCOs earn between roughly ₦50,000 to ₦280,000 per month, depending on rank.
- Allowances are a key component—covering housing, operations, uniforms, health, and more, particularly for those in active or high-risk posts.
However, it is a good idea to notice the immense dedication and sacrifices these officers make in their serious commitment to safeguarding Nigeria. The information provided here allows for a better understanding of the financial rewards that come with their roles and responsibilities, highlighting the value placed on their service in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
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