The Nigerian Navy salary structure is based on the Consolidated Naval Salary Structure (CONNESS), introduced in 2017, and varies by rank, educational qualifications, years of service, and whether an officer is commissioned or non-commissioned. Below is a detailed breakdown of ranks, salaries, allowances, and other benefits for 2025, based on available information. Note that exact figures may vary due to periodic reviews, economic conditions, or government adjustments, and some data is unofficial as the Navy does not always publicly disclose precise salaries.


Nigerian Navy Ranks

The Nigerian Navy is divided into two categories: Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs).

Commissioned Officers

These are typically university graduates who enter through the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) or Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC). They hold leadership roles and are involved in strategic decision-making. The ranks, in ascending order, are:

  1. Midshipman
  2. Acting Sub-Lieutenant
  3. Sub-Lieutenant
  4. Lieutenant
  5. Lieutenant Commander
  6. Commander
  7. Captain
  8. Commodore
  9. Rear Admiral
  10. Vice Admiral
  11. Admiral
  12. Admiral of the Fleet (rarely conferred, mostly honorary)

Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)

These are enlisted personnel, often recruited with secondary school certificates (SSCE), National Certificate of Education (NCE), or National Diploma (ND). They handle operational and support roles. The ranks, in ascending order, are:

  1. Trainee
  2. Ordinary Rating/Seaman
  3. Able Rating/Seaman
  4. Leading Rating/Seaman
  5. Petty Officer
  6. Chief Petty Officer
  7. Warrant Chief Petty Officer

Salary Structure

Salaries are paid monthly and increase with rank, experience, and qualifications. Below are estimated monthly and annual salaries for 2025, compiled from various sources. Note that some figures are averages or estimates due to limited official data.

Commissioned Officers

Rank Monthly Salary (₦) Annual Salary (₦)
Midshipman 118,835 – 150,000 1,426,020 – 1,800,000
Acting Sub-Lieutenant 130,852 – 160,000 1,570,224 – 1,920,000
Sub-Lieutenant 150,625 – 200,000 1,807,500 – 2,400,000
Lieutenant 195,685 – 250,000 2,348,220 – 3,000,000
Lieutenant Commander 230,652 – 300,000 2,767,824 – 3,600,000
Commander 281,673 – 400,000 3,380,076 – 4,800,000
Captain 309,654 – 500,000 3,715,848 – 6,000,000
Commodore 614,529 – 800,000 7,374,348 – 9,600,000
Rear Admiral 1,376,349 – 1,000,000 16,516,188 – 12,000,000
Vice Admiral 1,496,458 – 1,876,091 17,957,496 – 22,513,092
Admiral 1,728,285 – 2,524,299 20,739,420 – 30,291,588
Admiral of the Fleet ~1,358,595 – 1,500,000 ~16,303,140 – 18,000,000
  • Notes:
    • The Admiral of the Fleet rank is rarely occupied and is often ceremonial.
    • Higher ranks like Admiral and Vice Admiral involve significant strategic responsibilities, reflected in their salaries.
    • Starting salaries for graduates (e.g., Sub-Lieutenant with BSc/HND) range from ₦200,000 – ₦250,000 monthly.

Non-Commissioned Officers

Rank Monthly Salary (₦) Annual Salary (₦)
Trainee 10,220 – 12,000 122,640 – 144,000
Ordinary Rating/Seaman 45,854 – 58,005 550,140 – 696,060
Able Rating/Seaman 50,855 – 70,000 610,260 – 840,000
Leading Rating/Seaman 70,855 – 80,000 850,260 – 960,000
Petty Officer 80,852 – 100,000 970,224 – 1,200,000
Chief Petty Officer 90,825 – 120,000 1,089,900 – 1,440,000
Warrant Chief Petty Officer 120,853 – 155,655 1,450,236 – 1,867,860
  • Notes:
    • Trainees receive a training allowance (₦10,000 – ₦12,000 monthly) during their 6-month training, which stops upon graduation.
    • SSCE holders start as Ordinary Seamen with salaries around ₦50,000 – ₦58,005 monthly.
    • NCE/ND holders start as Seamen with salaries around ₦57,000 – ₦60,000 monthly.
    • Warrant Chief Petty Officer salaries can range up to ₦300,000 – ₦400,000 monthly, though this is unofficial.

Average Salary

  • The average monthly salary across all ranks in the Nigerian Navy is approximately ₦702,225 (₦8,426,700 annually), but this varies significantly by rank and role.

Allowances and Benefits

In addition to basic salaries, Nigerian Navy personnel receive various allowances and benefits to compensate for the demanding nature of their service. These include:

  1. Accommodation Allowance: Up to ₦30,000 monthly, depending on rank and location. Helps cover housing costs.
  2. Transport Allowance: Up to ₦10,000 monthly to cover commuting and travel expenses.
  3. Operational/Hazard Allowance: Up to ₦75,000 monthly for personnel exposed to dangerous conditions or special duties.
  4. Clothing/Uniform Allowance: ₦10,000 annually to maintain uniforms.
  5. Training Allowances:
    • Trainees: ₦10,000 – ₦12,000 monthly.
    • Short Service Cadets: ₦15,000 – ₦20,000 monthly.
    • Regular Cadets (NDA): ₦25,000 – ₦30,000 monthly.
  6. Other Benefits:
    • Free Healthcare: Access to military medical and dental facilities.
    • Educational Opportunities: Tuition assistance for further studies, including programs at the Nigerian Defence Academy.
    • Affordable Loans: Access to low-interest loans for personal or professional needs.
    • Pension Scheme: Retirement savings plan for long-term financial security.
    • Stable Employment: Job security and career growth opportunities.
    • Respect and Prestige: High societal regard for serving in the Navy.

Factors Influencing Salaries

  1. Rank: Higher ranks earn more due to increased responsibilities.
  2. Years of Service: Periodic salary increments based on longevity.
  3. Educational Qualifications: Graduates (BSc/HND) start at higher ranks (e.g., Sub-Lieutenant) with better pay than SSCE holders.
  4. Special Duties/Locations: Additional allowances for hazardous or remote postings.
  5. Economic Adjustments: Salaries may be revised to reflect inflation or government policies.

Additional Notes

  • Recruitment and Entry:
    • To join as a Commissioned Officer, candidates typically need a degree and must apply through the NDA or DSSC. Requirements include being 22-35 years old, medically fit, and recommended by referees.
    • For Non-Commissioned Officers, an SSCE with 5 credits (including English and Mathematics) is required. Applications are submitted online during annual recruitment exercises.
    • Training lasts 6 months for NCOs and longer for commissioned officers at institutions like the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School or NDA.
  • Challenges with Data:
    • Exact salary details are not always publicly available, leading to discrepancies across sources.
    • Some figures (e.g., Warrant Chief Petty Officer at ₦300,000 – ₦400,000) are based on unofficial reports and should be verified with official Navy channels.
  • Comparison with Other Forces:
    • The Nigerian Navy is often cited as one of the highest-paid armed forces in Nigeria, though salaries are similar to the Army and Air Force, with slight differences based on roles.
  • Official Sources:
    • For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the Nigerian Navy’s official website (navy.mil.ng) or recruitment portals.

Summary

  • Commissioned Officers earn significantly more than NCOs, with salaries ranging from ₦118,835 (Midshipman) to over ₦2,524,299 (Admiral) monthly.
  • Non-Commissioned Officers start at ₦45,854 (Ordinary Rating) and can earn up to ₦155,655 (Warrant Chief Petty Officer) monthly, with unofficial reports suggesting higher figures for senior NCOs.
  • Allowances like housing, transport, and hazard pay, along with benefits like healthcare and pensions, enhance total compensation.
  • The average salary is around ₦702,225 monthly, but this is skewed by higher ranks. Entry-level personnel earn much less.
  • Prospective recruits should verify details through official Navy channels due to inconsistent online data.

If you have further questions or need clarification, let me know! For official details, visit https://navy.mil.ng or contact a Nigerian Navy recruitment office.


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