This is the updates Nigerian Army Ranks and Salary structure in military not minding their squad or Battalion. In Nigeria, the military plays a very important role in maintaining security and defending all the geopolitical zones in the 36 states of the country.
The Nigerian armed forces consist of three main branches: the Nigerian Army (responsible for land operations), the Nigerian Navy (managing ports and maritime affairs), and the Nigerian Air Force (overseeing aviation operations).
If you intend to join the Nigerian Army, you have to know the ranks within the army and their corresponding monthly salaries. This knowledge will help you navigate your career in the military effectively.
Nigerian Soldiers or Army ranks in Nigeria
This article is designed to provide young individuals interested in pursuing a career in the Nigerian Army with comprehensive information about the ranks and salary structure within the Nigerian Army. Our main focus is to explain the Nigeria Army ranks structure.
Functions of Nigerian Army
The Nigerian Army Force has several important functions, which are as follows:
- Protect Nigeria from external aggression.
- Maintain the country’s territorial integrity and secure its borders from any disturbances, whether on land, at sea, or in the air.
- Assist in suppressing riots and restoring order when requested by the President, following conditions and regulations set by National Assembly legislation.
- Perform any other functions as prescribed by the laws of the National Assembly.
The Nigerian Army is currently the largest in Africa, both in terms of its size and structure. Over the years, it has grown significantly, increasing from 18,000 personnel to over 126,000, mainly due to its efforts in handling various crises effectively.
Nigerian Army ranks – Army ranks in Nigeria
Before going further, let us categorize the ranks in the Nigerian Army into two divisions:
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs):
These military personnel undergo regular 6-month training in Kaduna. They hold the following ranks:
- Private
- Sergeant
- Warrant Officer
- Master Warrant Officer
Commissioned Officers:
These are the primary officers who hold leadership roles and are highly respected. Their ranks are as follows:
- Lieutenant
- 2nd Lieutenant
- Captain
- Major
- Colonel
- Brigadier
- General
To make it clearer, here’s a well-arranged list of the ranks:
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs):
- Private
- Sergeant
- Warrant Officer
- Master Warrant Officer
Commissioned Officers:
- Lieutenant
- 2nd Lieutenant
- Captain
- Major
- Colonel
- Brigadier
- General
This breakdown should provide a clearer understanding of the Nigerian Army ranks and their structure.
Recognized Nigerian Army Ranks in Military
In the Nigerian Army, the ranks are structured as follows:
Commissioned Officers:
- Field Marshal (5 Star General – The highest rank in the Nigerian Army)
- General (4 Star General)
- Lieutenant General (3 Star General)
- Major General (2 Star General)
- Brigadier General (1 Star General)
- Colonel
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Major
- Captain
- Lieutenant
- Second Lieutenant
Non-Commissioned Officers:
- Warrant Officer Class I
- Warrant Officer Class II
- Staff Sergeant
- Sergeant
- Corporal
- Lance-Corporal
- Private
- Recruit
These ranks represent the hierarchy within the Nigerian Army, with Commissioned Officers holding leadership positions and Non-Commissioned Officers playing vital roles in various capacities.
Nigerian Army Salary 2024/2025 Updated
Nigerian Army Salary Structure: Now that we have looked at the ranks in the Nigerian Army, let’s discuss their salaries. The salary scale in the Nigerian Army varies based on the rank of the officer. Below, you’ll find the salaries for both Commissioned and Non-Commissioned officers.
| Ranks | Salary |
| Second Lieutenant | N120,000 |
| Lieutenant | N180,000 |
| Captain | N220,000 |
| Major | N300,000 |
| Lt. Colonel | N350,000 |
| Colonel | N550,000 |
| Brigadier General | N750,000 |
| Major General | N950,000 |
| Lt. General | N1 million |
| General | N1.5 million |
Non-commissioned Officer:
Scroll down below, because we’ve listed the salary structure for Non-Commissioned Officers in the Nigerian Army. Take a careful look at the Nigerian Army ranks and their corresponding salaries in the table provided to avoid confusion.
| Nigerian army ranks | Army Salaries in Nigeria |
| Ranks | Monthly Salary |
| Corporal | N58,000 |
| Sergeant | N63,000 |
| Staff Sergeant | N68,000 |
| Warrant Officer | N80,000 |
| Master Warrant Officer | N90,000 |
FAQs About Nigerian Army Ranks | Army Ranks in Nigeria
In this section, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about Army ranks in Nigeria and the Nigerian Army salary for 2023/2024.
What rank is a 2-star in the Nigeria Army?
Major General Explanation: A 2-star rank in the Nigerian Army is the rank of Major General, which is the 8th rank in NATO. Major Generals are considered average commissioned officers.
What is the rank of a 3-star in the Nigeria Army?
Lieutenant General (Three Stars) Explanation: A 3-star rank in the Nigerian Army is Lieutenant General. It ranks below a full General (four stars) and above a Major General (two stars).
What does 3 stars mean in the Nigerian Army?
It means Captain. Explanation: In the Nigerian Army, the rank of Captain is denoted by three silver stars lined vertically on their shoulders. This is the highest rank in the tactical army organization before reaching the rank of Major, which is the lowest rank of field officer in the Nigerian Army.
What rank do you get after NDA in Nigeria?
After successfully completing the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) training, you will receive the rank of Cadet. Following this, you will undergo 3 years of training at NDA, followed by 1 year of training at INA, IMA, or AFA for the Navy, Army, or Air Force, respectively. Upon completion of your respective academy training, you will be ranked as Sub Lieutenant, Lieutenant, or Flying Officer in your respective service.
Who has the highest military rank in Nigeria?
The highest military rank in the Nigerian Army is Field Marshal, which is a 5-star rank. Explanation: Field Marshal holds the highest rank in the Nigerian Army and has a prestigious 5-star rating in Nigerian history.
How much is the Nigerian Army monthly salary?
The monthly salary for various ranks in the Nigerian Army is as follows:
- Private Soldier: ₦50,000 per month
- Lance Corporal: ₦57,000 per month
- Corporal: ₦62,000 per month
- Sergeant: ₦68,000 per month
That concludes our discussion on Nigerian Army ranks, salaries, and related questions. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section.
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