The salary structure of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in 2025 is based on the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS) and reflects the new ₦70,000 minimum wage policy implemented by the Nigerian government. Salaries vary significantly by rank, role, and years of service, with additional allowances enhancing overall compensation. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the NAF ranks, salaries, allowances, responsibilities, and related details, drawing from available information up to 2025.

Overview of Nigerian Air Force Salary Structure

The NAF salary structure is divided into two main categories:

Commissioned Officers: Senior officers with university degrees or higher qualifications, typically enlisted through the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC), or Short Service Commission (SSC). They hold leadership roles and earn higher salaries.
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs): Junior officers, often recruited with secondary school certificates or equivalent qualifications, who execute orders from commissioned officers. Their salaries are lower but increase with rank and experience.

Salaries are periodically reviewed to align with economic conditions, and the 2025 structure reflects adjustments due to the new minimum wage. All figures are in Nigerian Naira (₦) and represent monthly salaries unless otherwise stated.

Salary Structure by Rank

Below is a detailed breakdown of the estimated monthly salaries for both commissioned and non-commissioned officers in the Nigerian Air Force for 2025, based on available sources.

Commissioned Officers

Commissioned officers hold strategic and leadership roles, and their salaries reflect their responsibilities and educational qualifications.

Marshal of the Nigerian Air Force:
- Salary: ₦2,800,000 (estimated, as this is an honorary rank rarely attained).
- Role: Highest rank, equivalent to Field Marshal in the Army. No officer has been promoted to this rank in recent history.
Air Chief Marshal:
- Salary: ₦1,724,283 (approx. ₦16,303,140 annually).
- Role: Chief of the Air Staff, advises the President on air defense matters and oversees all NAF operations.
Air Marshal:
- Salary: ₦1,486,451 (approx. ₦13,363,229 annually).
- Role: Deputy Chief of Air Staff or commander of large operational commands, involved in strategic planning.
Air Vice-Marshal:
- Salary: ₦1,376,343 (approx. ₦12,038,945 annually).
- Role: Oversees major divisions (e.g., logistics, operations) or regional commands.
Air Commodore:
- Salary: ₦677,895.
- Role: Commands air bases or specialized wings, equivalent to a Colonel in the Army.
Group Captain:
- Salary: ₦352,631.
- Role: Manages air groups (large units of aircraft and personnel), responsible for tactical mission execution.
Wing Commander:
- Salary: ₦342,586.
- Role: Commands smaller units like wings or squadrons, oversees daily operations.
Squadron Leader:
- Salary: ₦248,004.
- Role: Leads individual squadrons, manages pilot performance and aircraft maintenance.
Flight Lieutenant:
- Salary: ₦232,484.
- Role: Second-in-command in a squadron, supports mission execution.
Flying Officer:
- Salary: ₦218,400.
- Role: Junior officer, often a pilot or navigator with operational duties.
Pilot Officer:
- Salary: ₦187,159.
- Role: Entry-level commissioned officer, typically a newly trained pilot or specialist.

Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)

NCOs are junior personnel who carry out operational and technical tasks under the command of commissioned officers.

Air Warrant Officer:
- Salary: ₦218,400.
- Role: Senior-most NCO, advises commanding officers on discipline, morale, and training.
Master Warrant Officer:
- Salary: ₦165,697 (some sources suggest up to ₦320,000).
- Role: Oversees training and welfare of personnel in a unit or squadron.
Warrant Officer:
- Salary: ₦101,974.
- Role: Leads smaller teams, supervises personnel and equipment.
Flight Sergeant:
- Salary: ₦87,119.
- Role: Manages day-to-day tasks, ensures mission execution.
Sergeant:
- Salary: ₦69,261.
- Role: Supervises lower-ranked personnel, maintains discipline.
Corporal:
- Salary: ₦58,634.
- Role: Executes technical or operational tasks, supervises junior airmen.
Lance Corporal:
- Salary: ₦55,832–₦55,892.
- Role: Entry-level supervisory role, assists in team management.
Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman:
- Salary: ₦53,892.
- Role: Basic operational or technical duties, e.g., aircraft maintenance or ground support.
Trainee/Recruit:
- Salary: ₦10,237–₦45,000 (varies by training program).
- Role: Undergoing basic military training, lowest rank.

Special Categories

Recruits: Paid ₦10,000–₦15,000 monthly during training.
Short Service Cadets: Earn ₦16,000–₦20,000 monthly.
Regular Cadets: Receive ₦25,000–₦30,000 monthly.
DSSC Officers: Graduates joining via Direct Short Service Commission start as Flying Officers, earning ₦218,400 monthly.

Allowances and Benefits

NAF personnel receive various allowances to supplement their salaries and address specific job demands. These include:

Accommodation Allowance:
- Covers housing costs for personnel without military housing, varies by rank and location (e.g., higher in cities like Lagos or Abuja).
Transport Allowance:
- Supports commuting and travel expenses, particularly for frequent duty-related travel.
Uniform Allowance:
- Covers the cost of maintaining uniforms, ensuring personnel meet professional standards.
Hazard Allowance:
- Paid to personnel in dangerous roles (e.g., pilots, special forces), ranging from ₦10,000–₦30,000 monthly depending on qualifications.
Training Allowance:
- Provided to cadets/trainees, typically ₦15,000–₦30,000 monthly.
Special Force Allowance:
- For personnel on special assignments or peacekeeping missions, varies by operation.
Medical and Welfare Benefits:
- Comprehensive healthcare, including medical, dental, and vision coverage for personnel and sometimes dependents.
- Life insurance and pension schemes.
Peacekeeping Mission Bonuses:
- Officers deployed on international missions (e.g., UN peacekeeping) receive additional pay, often significantly higher than regular salaries.
Other Benefits:
- Subsidized meals, access to military facilities, and educational opportunities for career advancement.
- Leave allowances and end-of-year bonuses (subject to government approval).

Factors Affecting Salary

Several factors influence an NAF officer’s earnings:

Rank and Role:
- Higher ranks and specialized roles (e.g., pilots, engineers) command higher salaries due to increased responsibilities.
Years of Service:
- Salaries increase with promotions and time served. For example, an officer at a rank for three years may earn more than a newly promoted officer at the same rank.
Educational Qualifications:
- Commissioned officers with degrees earn more than NCOs with secondary school certificates.
Special Assignments:
- Officers on combat, peacekeeping, or high-risk missions receive additional allowances.
Economic Adjustments:
- Salaries are subject to periodic reviews to reflect inflation and cost-of-living changes, as seen with the 2025 minimum wage adjustment.

Responsibilities of Nigerian Air Force Personnel

The NAF’s mandate includes defending Nigeria’s airspace, supporting ground and naval forces, and providing disaster relief. Key responsibilities by role include:

Commissioned Officers:
- Strategic decision-making, mission planning, and commanding units.
- Roles include pilots, engineers, medical professionals, air traffic controllers, and administrators.
- Advising government on air defense policies (e.g., Air Chief Marshal).
Non-Commissioned Officers:
- Executing orders, maintaining aircraft, and performing ground support tasks.
- Supervising junior personnel and ensuring operational readiness.
General Duties:
- Protecting Nigeria from external and internal threats.
- Providing airborne support to the Army and Navy.
- Conducting disaster relief (e.g., flood evacuation, medical aid).
- Maintaining airspace sovereignty and supporting civil authorities during emergencies.

Qualifications and Recruitment

To join the NAF, candidates must meet specific educational, physical, and age requirements, which vary by entry level.

Commissioned Officers:
- Education: Minimum of a second-class lower degree or lower credit from an accredited university or polytechnic.
- Entry Routes: Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC), or Short Service Commission (SSC).
- Training: 6 months of intensive military training for DSSC candidates, longer for NDA cadets.
- Age: Typically 18–30, depending on the program.
Non-Commissioned Officers:
- Education: Minimum of a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) with at least 3 credits, including English and Mathematics, in up to two sittings (WASSCE, GCE, NECO, or NABTEB).
- Specialized Roles: Require OND, NABTEB, RN/RM, NCE, or City and Guild certificates.
- Training: Basic Military Training Course (BMTC), lasting up to 6 months.
- Age: 18–22 for non-tradesmen/women, 18–25 for tradesmen/women.
General Requirements:
- Nigerian citizenship as defined by the Constitution.
- Physical and medical fitness, including height (minimum 1.66m for males, 1.63m for females) and good vision.
- No criminal record and adherence to NAF recruitment guidelines.
Recruitment Process:
- Applications are submitted online via the official NAF recruitment portal: nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng.
- Recruitment is free, and candidates should avoid fraudulent agents.
- Stages include aptitude tests, physical fitness tests, medical screening, and interviews.

Career Path and Opportunities

Career Progression:
- NCOs can advance through ranks (e.g., Trainee to Air Warrant Officer) with experience and training.
- Commissioned officers progress from Pilot Officer to higher ranks, with opportunities for specialization (e.g., piloting, engineering).
- DSSC provides a fast-track for graduates to enter as Flying Officers.
Job Demand:
- The NAF is one of Africa’s largest air forces, with over 30,000 personnel and 300+ aircraft, creating consistent demand for skilled officers.
- Roles like pilots, engineers, and medical professionals are particularly sought after.
International Opportunities:
- NAF officers participate in peacekeeping missions (e.g., in Congo, Tanzania), earning extra allowances and global exposure.

Challenges and Risks

High-Risk Environment:
- Roles like piloting or special operations involve exposure to combat and hazardous conditions.
- Officers may face irregular hours and deployments to conflict zones (e.g., against insurgency in Northeast Nigeria).
Low Entry-Level Pay:
- Recruits and trainees earn below ₦50,000, which some sources describe as close to the poverty line given Nigeria’s economic challenges.
- However, allowances and benefits improve overall compensation.
Rigorous Recruitment:
- The selection process is competitive, requiring academic excellence, physical fitness, and mental resilience.

Why Join the Nigerian Air Force?

Despite challenges, the NAF offers:

Competitive salaries for higher ranks, especially commissioned officers.
Comprehensive benefits, including housing, medical care, and pensions.
Opportunities for travel, training, and career advancement.
Prestige and the chance to serve Nigeria in a critical defense role.

How to Apply

Visit the Official Portal: Check nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng for recruitment announcements.
Prepare Documents: SSCE results, degree certificates, birth certificate, state of origin certificate, and a valid ID.
Apply Online: Follow instructions, upload documents, and complete the application form.
Monitor Updates: Shortlisted candidates are notified via the portal or official NAF channels.
Avoid Fraud: Recruitment is free; beware of scams demanding payment.

Conclusion

The Nigerian Air Force salary structure in 2025 ranges from ₦10,237 for trainees to ₦2,800,000 for the Marshal of the Nigerian Air Force, with commissioned officers earning significantly more than non-commissioned officers. Allowances like housing, hazard, and training supplements enhance compensation, making the NAF an attractive career option despite entry-level challenges. The NAF’s critical role in national defense, combined with opportunities for growth and international exposure, makes it a rewarding path for those committed to serving Nigeria.

Nigerian Air Force Salary Structure (2025 Full Details)