Police and Army Salary in Nigeria: Full Details (2025)

Overview

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and Nigerian Army are critical components of Nigeria’s security framework, with the police maintaining internal law and order and the army handling external defense and internal security operations. Both operate under distinct salary structures: the NPF under the Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS) and the Army under the Consolidated Naval Salary Structure (CONNESS), both established in 2017. A 25–35% salary increase was implemented on January 1, 2024, alongside a 20–28% pension increase for retirees, reflecting efforts to address rising inflation (25–30% in 2025) and low morale. Salaries vary by rank, education, experience, and allowances, with the army generally offering higher pay due to combat risks. Below is a detailed breakdown of salaries, ranks, allowances, and related factors.

Nigerian Police Force (NPF) Salary Structure

The NPF, a paramilitary organization with approximately 371,800 personnel, is responsible for crime prevention, law enforcement, and protecting lives and property. Salaries are structured by rank and educational qualifications, with additional allowances to support officers’ welfare.

Salary Ranges by Rank

Non-Commissioned Officers (Junior Ranks):
- Recruit Constable: ₦65,000–₦90,000 monthly (≈ $40–$55 USD at ₦1,650/USD).
  - Training Allowance: ₦10,000–₦13,000 (SSCE holders), ₦18,000–₦25,000 (graduates).
- Constable: ₦65,000–₦90,000 monthly (SSCE holders: ₦43,923–₦65,000).
- Corporal: ₦50,000–₦90,000 monthly (NCE/ND holders: ≈ ₦50,318).
- Sergeant: ₦55,000–₦100,000 monthly.
- Sergeant Major: ₦60,000–₦110,000 monthly.
Commissioned Officers (Senior Ranks):
- Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP): ₦156,318–₦180,000 monthly (B.Sc./HND holders).
- Superintendent of Police (SP): ₦180,000–₦220,000 monthly.
- Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP): ₦220,000–₦270,000 monthly.
- Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP): ₦270,000–₦350,000 monthly.
- Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP): ₦350,000–₦500,000 monthly.
- Commissioner of Police (CP): ₦500,000–₦800,000 monthly.
- Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG): ₦800,000–₦1,000,000 monthly.
- Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG): ₦750,000–₦1,000,000 monthly.
- Inspector General of Police (IGP): ₦1,000,000–₦1,200,000 monthly.
Average Salary: ₦371,000 monthly (≈ ₦4,452,000 annually).
Salary Range: ₦43,923 (constable) to ₦1,200,000 (IGP) monthly.

Allowances

Police officers receive allowances to offset living costs and incentivize performance:

Risk/Hazard Allowance: ₦5,000–₦50,000 monthly, based on risk level.
Rent Allowance: Provided for officers without government housing, varies by rank (₦10,000–₦50,000).
Transport Allowance: ₦5,000–₦20,000 monthly.
Uniform Maintenance Allowance: ₦4,000–₦30,000 annually.
Utility Allowance: Covers electricity/water, ₦3,000–₦10,000 monthly.
Shift Duty Allowance: ₦3,000–₦10,000 monthly for irregular hours.
Detachment Allowance: Up to ₦50,000 monthly for special assignments.
Medical Benefits: Enrollment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for officers and families.
Pension and Gratuity: Post-retirement benefits, with pensions increased by 20–28% in 2024.
Travel Allowance: For senior officers on out-of-state duties, amount unspecified.

Nigerian Police Force (NPF) Ranks (Lowest to Highest)

Recruit Constable
Constable
Corporal
Sergeant
Sergeant Major
Inspector
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
Superintendent of Police (SP)
Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP)
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)
Commissioner of Police (CP)
Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG)
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)
Inspector General of Police (IGP)

Nigerian Army Salary Structure

The Nigerian Army, the largest branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces with over 100,000 personnel, is responsible for land warfare, external defense, and internal security. Salaries are higher than police due to combat risks and operational demands.

Salary Ranges by Rank

Non-Commissioned Officers (Junior Ranks):
- Recruit/Private: ₦75,000–₦110,000 monthly (≈ $45–$65 USD).
  - Training Allowance: ₦15,000–₦50,000 (regular cadets: ₦25,000–₦50,000; short-service cadets: ₦15,000–₦25,000).
- Lance Corporal: ₦80,000–₦120,000 monthly.
- Corporal: ₦90,000–₦130,000 monthly.
- Sergeant: ₦100,000–₦150,000 monthly.
- Staff Sergeant: ₦110,000–₦160,000 monthly.
- Warrant Officer: ₦120,000–₦180,000 monthly.
- Master Warrant Officer: ₦130,000–₦200,000 monthly.
Commissioned Officers (Senior Ranks):
- Second Lieutenant: ₦165,000–₦250,000 monthly.
- Lieutenant: ₦180,000–₦300,000 monthly.
- Captain: ₦220,000–₦400,000 monthly.
- Major: ₦300,000–₦500,000 monthly.
- Lieutenant Colonel: ₦350,000–₦550,000 monthly.
- Colonel: ₦550,000–₦750,000 monthly.
- Brigadier General: ₦750,000–₦950,000 monthly.
- Major General: ₦950,000–₦1,200,000 monthly.
- Lieutenant General: ₦1,000,000–₦1,400,000 monthly.
- General: ₦1,500,000–₦2,000,000 monthly.
Average Salary: ₦800,000 monthly (commissioned officers), ₦115,000 (non-commissioned officers).
Salary Range: ₦75,000 (private) to ₦2,000,000 (general) monthly.

Allowances

Army allowances are more limited compared to police but include:

Ration Allowance: Increased from ₦1,000 to ₦2,000 monthly in August 2023, though officers sought ₦5,000.
Training Allowance: Paid to trainees (see above).
Operation Allowance: For active deployments, varies by mission (₦10,000–₦50,000).
Transport Allowance: Provided but unspecified, typically ₦5,000–₦20,000.
Special Forces Allowance: For elite units, amount undisclosed.
Free Housing: Barracks accommodation for most personnel.
Medical Benefits: Access to military hospitals.
Pension and Gratuity: Increased by 20–28% in 2024.

Nigerian Army Ranks (Lowest to Highest)

Private
Lance Corporal
Corporal
Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Warrant Officer
Master Warrant Officer
Second Lieutenant
Lieutenant
Captain
Major
Lieutenant Colonel
Colonel
Brigadier General
Major General
Lieutenant General
General
Field Marshal (honorary, never attained)

Comparison: Police vs. Army Salaries

Entry-Level:
- Police Constable: ₦65,000–₦90,000.
- Army Private: ₦75,000–₦110,000 (slightly higher).
Mid-Level:
- Police Inspector: ₦156,318–₦220,000.
- Army Captain: ₦220,000–₦400,000 (higher).
Senior-Level:
- Police IGP: ₦1,000,000–₦1,200,000.
- Army General: ₦1,500,000–₦2,000,000 (higher).
Allowances:
- Police: More diverse (risk, rent, uniform, transport, utility, shift, detachment).
- Army: Fewer but include ration and operation allowances, with free housing.
Overall:
- Army officers generally earn more, especially at senior ranks and during active deployments, due to combat risks.
- Police officers benefit from more allowances, enhancing total compensation.

Factors Influencing Salaries

Rank: Higher ranks command higher salaries in both forces.
Education:
- Police: SSCE holders start as constables (₦43,923–₦65,000); B.Sc./HND holders start as ASP (₦156,318+).
- Army: SSCE holders start as privates (₦75,000+); degree holders start as second lieutenants (₦165,000+).
Experience: Longer service increases pay within ranks.
Deployment:
- Army: Active combat zones (e.g., Northeast) yield higher operation allowances.
- Police: High-risk postings (e.g., urban crime areas) increase hazard allowances.
Economic Conditions: Inflation (25–30%) erodes real income, despite the 2024 salary increase.
Government Policy: Periodic reviews (e.g., 2024 increase) adjust salaries, but delays in implementation can occur.

Challenges

Low Salaries: Despite increases, salaries remain insufficient for rising living costs, with some officers earning below ₦100,000 monthly. X posts highlight officers with ₦100,000 supporting families of four, raising concerns about welfare.
Morale and Corruption: Low pay is linked to allegations of extortion and bribery, notably during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, where poor welfare was a key grievance.
Inadequate Funding: The army complains of delayed pensions, poor allowances, and insufficient equipment, impacting effectiveness.
Economic Instability: Inflation reduces purchasing power, with calls for a minimum wage increase to ₦615,000 (NLC proposal).
Public Perception: Social media debates, like a 2023 viral post questioning a DSP’s luxury items, reflect skepticism about official salaries, suggesting side hustles or corruption.

Opportunities

Salary Increases: The 2024 25–35% raise and ongoing minimum wage talks signal government efforts to improve welfare.
Benefits: Free housing (army), medical insurance, and pensions enhance compensation.
Career Growth: Promotions increase salaries significantly (e.g., constable to ASP, private to lieutenant).
Recruitment: Both forces recruit annually, with the army targeting 200,000 personnel and the police aiming for 650,000.
Training and Development: Investments in training (e.g., police welfare programs, army professional development) improve skills and promotion prospects.

How to Join and Maximize Earnings

Eligibility:
- Police: Nigerian citizenship, age 18–25, SSCE minimum, physical fitness, no criminal record.
- Army: Similar requirements, with degree holders eligible for commissioned officer roles.
Application: Visit the NPF recruitment portal (https://www.npf.gov.ng) or Nigerian Army portal (https://recruitment.army.mil.ng).
Strategies:
- Pursue higher education (B.Sc./HND) for commissioned officer roles.
- Gain experience for promotions to higher-paying ranks.
- Seek high-risk postings for additional allowances.
- Stay updated on salary reviews via government announcements.

Notes

Data Sources: Salary figures are aggregated from reputable sources, including inquiresalary.com.ng, recruitnaija.com, campuscybercafe.com, and pulse.ng, adjusted for the 2024 increase.
Economic Context: Nigeria’s inflation and currency depreciation (₦1,650/USD) reduce real income. Salaries are paid in Naira, with no dollar-based payments reported.
Controversies: Allegations of corruption and poor welfare persist, with public calls for further salary hikes.
Verification: Figures are estimates, as official NPF and Army sources (e.g., npf.gov.ng) do not publicly detail exact salaries.
Global Context: Nigerian police salaries ($1,700/year) are among the lowest globally, compared to Canada ($100,000/year).