Fire Service Salary in Nigeria 2025: Full Details

Fire Service Salary in Nigeria 2025: Full Details with Complete Breakdown

Overview

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) in Nigeria is a paramilitary agency under the Ministry of Interior, responsible for fire prevention, firefighting, rescue operations, and emergency management. Established in 1901 as part of the Lagos Police Fire Brigade and formalized in 1963 by an Act of Parliament, the FFS operates at federal and state levels. Salaries are structured under the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), which applies to paramilitary agencies like the FFS, Nigerian Immigration Service, and Nigerian Customs Service. Salaries vary by rank, qualifications, experience, and location, with additional allowances and benefits to compensate for the high-risk nature of the job. Below is a detailed breakdown of the salary structure, allowances, benefits, and influencing factors for fire service personnel in Nigeria for 2025.

Salary Structure by Rank

The FFS salary structure is based on CONPASS, with ranks determined by educational qualifications, skills, and years of service. Below is an estimated breakdown of monthly and annual salaries by rank, based on 2024–2025 data from sources like Nigerian Queries, Intel Region, and WorldSalaries. Note that figures are gross salaries before deductions.

  • Controller-General of Fire Service (Grade Level 17):
    • Monthly Salary: ₦2,053,592–₦3,000,000
    • Annual Salary: ₦24,643,104–₦36,000,000
    • Role: Highest-ranking officer, responsible for overall management and strategic direction of the FFS.
    • Source: Nigerian Queries (2024), Kashgain (2024)
  • Deputy Controller-General (Grade Level 16):
    • Monthly Salary: ₦1,515,483–₦2,500,000
    • Annual Salary: ₦18,185,796–₦30,000,000
    • Role: Assists the Controller-General, overseeing specific departments or regions.
    • Source: Nigerian Queries (2024), Kashgain (2024)
  • Assistant Controller-General (Grade Level 16):
    • Monthly Salary: ₦1,363,279–₦2,000,000
    • Annual Salary: ₦16,359,348–₦24,000,000
    • Role: Manages zonal commands or specialized units.
    • Source: Nigerian Queries (2024), Kashgain (2024)
  • Controller of Fire Service (Grade Level 15):
    • Monthly Salary: ₦1,242,308–₦1,800,000
    • Annual Salary: ₦14,907,696–₦21,600,000
    • Role: Heads state fire service commands or national departments.
    • Source: Nigerian Queries (2024), Kashgain (2024)
  • Chief Inspector (Grade Level 14):
    • Monthly Salary: ₦1,405,497
    • Annual Salary: ₦16,865,964
    • Role: Oversees large zones, divisions, or specialized departments.
    • Source: Nigerian Queries (2024)
  • Deputy Chief Inspector (Grade Level 13):
    • Monthly Salary: ₦1,225,237
    • Annual Salary: ₦14,702,844
    • Role: Second-in-command to Chief Inspectors, managing operations.
    • Source: Nigerian Queries (2024)
  • Chief Fire Officer (Grade Level 12–14):
    • Monthly Salary: ₦180,000–₦250,000
    • Annual Salary: ₦2,160,000–₦3,000,000
    • Role: Oversees firefighting operations in a district or state, coordinates with other emergency services.
    • Source: Professions.ng (2023), School Drillers (2024)
  • Assistant Superintendent of Fire II (Grade Level 08):
    • Monthly Salary: ₦120,000–₦135,000
    • Annual Salary: ₦1,440,000–₦1,620,000
    • Role: Entry-level rank for graduates (BSc/HND), responsible for operational firefighting and rescue.
    • Source: Nigerian Informer (2025)
  • Marshal Inspector III (Grade Level 07):
    • Monthly Salary: ₦65,000–₦80,000
    • Annual Salary: ₦780,000–₦960,000
    • Role: Entry-level rank for National Diploma (ND) or NCE holders, assists in firefighting and rescue operations.
    • Source: Nigerian Informer (2025)
  • Fire Marshal Assistant III (Grade Level 03–04):
    • Monthly Salary: ₦49,189–₦69,999
    • Annual Salary: ₦590,268–₦839,988
    • Role: Entry-level rank for SSCE holders, performs basic firefighting and support duties.
    • Source: Nigerian Queries (2024), Nigerian Informer (2025)
  • General Recruits (Grade Level 03):
    • Monthly Salary: ₦49,189–₦50,000
    • Annual Salary: ₦590,268–₦600,000
    • Role: Entry-level operational role, typically for new SSCE holders.
    • Source: Nigerian Queries (2024)
  • Training Allowance (Recruits):
    • Monthly: ₦15,000–₦45,000
    • Role: Paid to recruits during training, typically lasting 3–6 months.
    • Source: Survival Fund (2025)

Allowances

Fire service personnel receive various allowances to compensate for the hazardous nature of their work and living expenses. Allowances vary by rank, location, and assignment, but common ones include:

  • Hazard Allowance (Risk Allowance): ₦5,000–₦30,000/month, for exposure to dangerous conditions like fire outbreaks or rescue operations.
  • Rent/Housing Allowance: ₦10,000–₦50,000/month, depending on rank and location (higher in urban areas like Lagos).
  • Transport Allowance: ₦5,000–₦20,000/month, to cover commuting costs.
  • Medical Allowance: ₦5,000–₦15,000/month, for healthcare expenses, often supplemented by access to government hospitals.
  • Uniform Allowance: ₦5,000–₦20,000/month, for maintenance of uniforms and protective gear.
  • Overtime Allowance: ₦500–₦1,000/hour, for extra shifts, common in high-demand areas.
  • Other Allowances: May include training, special duty, or equipment allowances, with amounts varying by role (not publicly disclosed).
  • Total Monthly Allowances: Estimated at ₦30,000–₦150,000, with senior officers receiving higher amounts. For example, a Chief Fire Officer in Lagos might receive ~₦100,000/month in allowances.

Source: School Drillers (2024), Lanegist (2024)

Bonuses and Benefits

  • Bonuses: Approximately 30–40% of FFS personnel receive performance-based or mission-specific bonuses, ranging from ₦10,000–₦50,000/month, higher for senior ranks or special operations (e.g., disaster response).
  • Non-Monetary Benefits:
    • Housing: Free or subsidized accommodation in fire service barracks or government quarters.
    • Medical Care: Access to military or government hospitals for personnel and families.
    • Pension: Contributory Pension Scheme contributions.
    • Training: Sponsored training at the National Fire Academy (affiliated with the Nigerian Defence Academy) or international programs, costing ~₦100,000–₦500,000 per course.
    • Protective Gear: Provided free, including helmets, gloves, and fire-resistant suits.
    • Leave: Paid annual leave, typically 30 days.
    • Career Development: Opportunities for promotions and advanced roles (e.g., Chief Fire Officer after ~10–15 years).
  • Total Monthly Compensation: Including base salary, allowances, and bonuses, total pay ranges from ₦64,189–₦3,200,000/month, with an average of ₦148,000/month for mid-level ranks like Chief Fire Officer (Glassdoor, 2025).

Salary Distribution

  • Median Salary: ₦174,000/month (~₦2,088,000/year), based on SalaryExplorer (2024).
  • Percentiles (SalaryExplorer):
    • 25th percentile: ₦141,000/month (~₦1,692,000/year).
    • 75th percentile: ₦201,000/month (~₦2,412,000/year).
    • 90th percentile: ₦290,000/month (~₦3,480,000/year).
  • Range:
    • 65% of salaries fall between ₦104,000–₦152,000/month.
    • 20% are below ₦104,000/month.
    • 10% are between ₦152,000–₦173,000/month.
    • 5% exceed ₦173,000/month.

Factors Influencing Salary

  1. Rank: Higher ranks (e.g., Controller-General) earn significantly more due to increased responsibilities.
  2. Qualifications:
    • SSCE: Fire Marshal Assistant III, earning ₦49,189–₦69,999/month.
    • ND/NCE: Senior Fire Marshal Assistant or Marshal Inspector III, earning ₦65,000–₦80,000/month.
    • BSc/HND: Assistant Superintendent of Fire II, earning ₦120,000–₦135,000/month.
  3. Experience: Salaries increase with years of service. For example, a Fire Marshal Assistant III with 3 years earns more than a new recruit due to step increments within the same grade level.
  4. Location:
    • Lagos, Abuja: Higher allowances (15–20% more) due to cost of living and demand.
    • Less Developed States (e.g., Borno, Yobe): Lower allowances but potential hazard pay for high-risk areas.
  5. Industry: Federal Fire Service pays more than state fire services. For example, Anambra State Fire Service averages ₦79,000/month net for Fire Safety Officers (MySalaryScale, 2025).
  6. Certifications: Firefighting certifications (e.g., OSHA, National Fire Academy courses) boost allowances by 5–10%.
  7. Gender: No significant pay gap, as salaries are standardized under CONPASS.
  8. Economic Factors: Inflation and currency devaluation (1 NGN = 0.00059 USD in 2025) reduce real income, prompting calls for salary adjustments.

Salary Progression

  • Entry-Level (0–3 years):
    • Fire Marshal Assistant III (SSCE): ₦49,189–₦69,999/month, total pay with allowances ~₦79,189–₦119,999/month.
    • Marshal Inspector III (ND/NCE): ₦65,000–₦80,000/month, total pay ~₦95,000–₦150,000/month.
    • Assistant Superintendent of Fire II (BSc/HND): ₦120,000–₦135,000/month, total pay ~₦170,000–₦235,000/month.
  • Mid-Career (4–9 years):
    • Chief Fire Officer (Grade Level 12–14): ₦180,000–₦250,000/month, total pay ~₦280,000–₦400,000/month.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years):
    • Controller of Fire Service (Grade Level 15): ₦1,242,308–₦1,800,000/month, total pay ~₦1,392,308–₦2,000,000/month.
    • Chief Inspector (Grade Level 14): ₦1,405,497/month, total pay ~₦1,555,497–₦1,755,497/month.
  • Salary Increments: Average 5–8% increase every 19–21 months, with promotions every 3–5 years based on performance and qualifications (WorldSalaries, 2025).

Job Market Insights

  • Demand: High demand due to increasing fire incidents and urban expansion. The FFS employs ~5,000–7,000 personnel, with annual recruitment for ~500–1,000 new hires.
  • Key Employers: Federal Fire Service (primary), state fire services (e.g., Anambra, Lagos), and private firms (e.g., oil/gas companies hiring fire safety officers).
  • Roles:
    • Fireman/Fire Marshal Assistant III: Basic firefighting and rescue (~₦49,189–₦69,999/month).
    • Chief Fire Officer: Supervises operations (~₦180,000–₦250,000/month).
    • Controller of Fire Service: Manages state or federal operations (~₦1,242,308–₦1,800,000/month).
  • Work Conditions: High-risk environment with 24/7 shifts, 40–60-hour workweeks, and exposure to fire, smoke, and hazardous materials. Overtime is common.
  • Training Requirements:
    • Minimum SSCE for Fire Marshal Assistant III; ND/NCE for Senior Fire Marshal Assistant; BSc/HND for Assistant Superintendent of Fire II.
    • Training at the National Fire Academy (NFA), affiliated with the Nigerian Defence Academy, costs ~₦100,000–₦500,000 and lasts 3–6 months.
    • Physical fitness, medical clearance, and aptitude tests required.
  • Challenges:
    • Low entry-level salaries (~₦49,189/month) compared to risks.
    • Regional disparities: Firefighters in less developed states earn less due to lower allowances.
    • Inadequate equipment and training facilities, impacting morale.
    • Calls for salary increases to match inflation and risks (Nigerian Queries, 2024).

Strategies to Increase Earnings

  1. Earn Certifications: Obtain OSHA or NFA certifications to boost allowances by 5–10%.
  2. Gain Experience: Serve 3–5 years to qualify for promotions to higher ranks like Chief Fire Officer.
  3. Relocate: Work in Lagos or Abuja for higher allowances (15–20% more).
  4. Join Private Sector: Fire safety officers in oil/gas firms earn ₦150,000–₦500,000/month, significantly more than FFS roles.
  5. Pursue Higher Education: A BSc/HND increases starting rank to Assistant Superintendent of Fire II, boosting pay by 50–100%.
  6. Network: Use platforms like Jobzilla or Students Cabal for high-paying opportunities.

Notes

  • Salaries are gross figures before tax and pension deductions. Net salaries vary (e.g., MySalaryScale reports ₦79,000/month net for Anambra State Fire Service).
  • Data is sourced from Nigerian Queries, Intel Region, WorldSalaries, SalaryExplorer, Glassdoor, and others, reflecting 2024–2025 trends.
  • Outliers (e.g., ₦2,500,000–₦3,000,000/month for Controller-General) may reflect total compensation including allowances or data inconsistencies.
  • Inflation and currency devaluation (1 NGN = 0.00059 USD in 2025) reduce purchasing power, prompting calls for salary adjustments.
  • State fire services (e.g., Anambra) pay less than the FFS, averaging ₦79,000–₦100,000/month for mid-level roles.
  • Stakeholders advocate for salary increases to reflect the hazardous nature of firefighting and to retain talent (Nigerian Queries, 2024).

For further details, explore platforms like Nigerian Queries, WorldSalaries, SalaryExplorer, MySalaryScale, or the official FFS website fedfire.gov.ng.

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