Salary Structure of the Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria (2025)

Salary Structure of the Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria: Full Details and Complete Breakdown (2025).

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is the professional head of the Nigerian Army, responsible for overseeing all land-based military operations, formulating national defense strategies, and ensuring the operational readiness of the Army. The position, currently occupied by Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede (appointed in November 2024, following the death of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja), is one of the most critical and sensitive in Nigeria, reporting to the Chief of Defence Staff, the Defense Minister, and ultimately the President. The COAS salary is governed by the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS), updated in 2024 to reflect the national minimum wage of ₦70,000/month, effective July 2024. Due to the position’s sensitive nature, exact salary details are classified, but estimates are available based on rank, seniority, and allowances.

1. Overview of Chief of Army Staff Salary Structure

The COAS**, a Lieutenant General (Grade Level 9), commands a salary under the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONPASS) that reflects their rank as one of Nigeria’s highest military officers. The salary comprises basic pay, allowances, and discretionary benefits, with deductions for taxes and contributions. Due to the strategic importance of the role, exact figures are not publicly disclosed, but estimates range from ₦1,500,000 to ₦2,000,000/month, including allowances. The COAS enjoys significant perks, such as official residences, vehicles, and security details, which supplement financial compensation.

  • Estimated Monthly Gross Salary: ~₦1,500,000–₦2,000,000 (including allowances).
  • Estimated Annual Gross Salary: ~₦18,000,000–₦24,000,000.
  • Estimated Net Monthly Salary: ~₦1,300,000–₦1,750,000 (after deductions).
  • Median Monthly Salary: ~₦1,750,000 (midpoint of reported ranges).
  • Comparison: The COAS earns significantly more than a Captain (₦200,000–₦250,000/month) or Major General (₦1,000,000–₦1,500,000/month) but less than speculated for the Chief of Defence Staff (~₦2,000,000–₦2,500,000/month). [Previous Response: Nigerian Army Captain]

Note: Salary figures are estimates based on 2024–2025 data from sources like InquireSalary.net, RecruitmentPay.com.ng, GistBriefly.com, and MySalaryScale. Exact figures vary due to confidentiality, years of service (steps), and economic adjustments. Some sources (e.g., Nairaland) report higher figures (~₦1.72M/month), but these lack official verification.

2. Rank Context: Chief of Army Staff in the Nigerian Army Hierarchy

The COAS holds the rank of Lieutenant General, a three-star general position, typically the second-highest active rank in the Nigerian Army (below General, a four-star rank, and the ceremonial Field Marshal, which no officer has attained). The Nigerian Army ranks for commissioned officers, from lowest to highest, are:

  1. Second Lieutenant
  2. Lieutenant
  3. Captain
  4. Major
  5. Lieutenant Colonel
  6. Colonel
  7. Brigadier General
  8. Major General
  9. Lieutenant General (COAS)
  10. General
  11. Field Marshal (ceremonial)
  • Insignia: A Lieutenant General’s insignia features three stars in a triangle with an eagle above, symbolizing senior leadership.
  • Role: The COAS oversees all Army operations, formulates defense policies, manages resources, and ensures national security. They command divisions, corps, and specialized units, reporting to the Chief of Defence Staff and the President.
  • Appointment: The COAS is appointed by the President, typically from among the most senior Lieutenant Generals, and is promoted to Lieutenant General upon appointment if not already at that rank.
  • Tenure: No fixed term, but recent COAS tenures average 2–4 years (e.g., Taoreed Lagbaja, 2023–2024).

3. CONPASS Salary Breakdown for Chief of Army Staff

The CONPASS assigns salaries based on rank, grade level, and steps (1–15, reflecting years of service). As a Lieutenant General, the COAS is at Grade Level 9, with maximum steps due to seniority (15–20+ years of service). Below is an estimated breakdown based on 2024–2025 data.

3.1 Basic Salary

  • Monthly Basic Salary: ~₦1,200,000–₦1,500,000 (Grade Level 9, Steps 10–15).
    • Sources: RecruitmentPay.com.ng (₦1.7M/month, likely including allowances), GistBriefly.com (₦1.5M/month), InquireSalary.net (₦1.5M–₦2M/month).
  • Annual Basic Salary: ~₦14,400,000–₦18,000,000.
  • Factors: Basic salary reflects seniority, with periodic government reviews (e.g., 2024 minimum wage adjustment increased military salaries by ~25–30%).

3.2 Allowances

Allowances significantly enhance the COAS’s compensation, tailored to their high-risk, strategic role. Common allowances include:

  • Housing Allowance: Provided if not in official residence, 20–30% of basic salary (₦240,000–₦450,000/month). The COAS typically resides in a government-provided mansion (e.g., in Abuja), reducing this allowance.
  • Transport Allowance: Covers official travel, ~₦50,000–₦100,000/month.
  • Security Allowance: For personal protection details, ~₦50,000–₦150,000/month.
  • Hazard Allowance: For overseeing high-risk operations (e.g., Boko Haram counter-insurgency), ~₦50,000–₦200,000/month.
  • Medical Allowance: Access to military hospitals or cash equivalent, ~₦20,000–₦50,000/month.
  • Ration Allowance: Increased from ₦1,000 to ₦2,000/month in August 2023 (officers seek ₦5,000), negligible for COAS but symbolic.
  • Operation Allowance: For strategic oversight of missions, ~₦50,000–₦100,000/month.
  • Furniture Allowance: For maintaining official residence, ~₦20,000–₦50,000/month.
  • Protocol Allowance: For official engagements (e.g., meetings with President, foreign dignitaries), ~₦50,000–₦100,000/month.
  • Total Allowances: ~₦300,000–₦500,000/month, depending on operational demands and location (e.g., Abuja-based COAS may receive lower hazard allowances than field commanders).

Example: A COAS with ₦1,500,000 basic salary may receive ₦300,000 housing (if applicable), ₦75,000 transport, ₦100,000 security, ₦100,000 hazard, ₦30,000 medical, and ₦50,000 protocol, totaling ~₦455,000 in allowances.

3.3 Bonuses

  • Performance Bonuses: ~₦500,000–₦2,000,000/year for successful operations (e.g., neutralizing terrorist threats), equivalent to ~₦41,667–₦166,667/month.
  • 13th-Month Salary: Paid in some years, equivalent to basic salary (~₦1,500,000).
  • Total Bonuses: ~₦500,000–₦2,500,000/year, or ~₦41,667–₦208,333/month.

3.4 Deductions

  • Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) Tax: 15–20% of taxable income after reliefs (~₦180,000–₦300,000/month for COAS).
  • Pension Contribution: 8% of basic salary (~₦96,000–₦120,000/month) + 10% employer contribution.
  • National Housing Fund (NHF): 2.5% of basic salary (~₦30,000–₦37,500/month).
  • Other Deductions: Welfare or cooperative contributions (~₦10,000–₦50,000/month).
  • Total Deductions: ~₦200,000–₦250,000/month (10–15% of gross salary).

Example: Gross salary of ₦1,955,000 (₦1,500,000 basic + ₦455,000 allowances) with ₦250,000 deductions yields ~₦1,705,000 net salary.

3.5 Gross vs. Net Salary

  • Gross Monthly Salary: Basic salary + allowances + bonuses.
    • Example: ₦1,500,000 + ₦455,000 + ₦100,000 = ₦2,055,000.
  • Net Monthly Salary: Gross salary – deductions.
    • Example: ₦2,055,000 – ₦250,000 = ~₦1,805,000.
  • Annual Net Salary: ~₦15,600,000–₦21,000,000 (monthly net x 12).

4. Non-Monetary Benefits and Perks

The COAS receives extensive non-monetary benefits, reflecting the position’s prestige and responsibilities:

  • Official Residence: Fully furnished mansion in Abuja or Lagos, with maintenance covered by the government.
  • Official Vehicles: Armored SUVs (e.g., Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes-Benz), with drivers and maintenance.
  • Security Detail: Dedicated protection unit (e.g., military police, special forces), 24/7.
  • Medical Care: Free access to top military hospitals for COAS and immediate family, plus overseas treatment if needed.
  • Travel Perks: Business-class flights for official trips, with protocol staff for international engagements (e.g., UN peacekeeping meetings).
  • Pension: Generous post-retirement benefits (8% employee + 10% employer contribution), often exceeding ₦10,000,000/year.
  • Training Opportunities: Access to elite courses (e.g., U.S. Army War College, National Defence College, Abuja), fully funded.
  • Staff Support: Aides-de-camp, administrative staff, and logistics personnel.
  • Prestige: High social standing, with invitations to state functions and diplomatic events.
  • Post-Service Opportunities: Many former COAS transition to political roles (e.g., ministers, governors) or corporate boards, leveraging their experience.

Note: These perks, while not directly monetized, significantly enhance the COAS’s effective compensation, often valued at ₦5,000,000–₦10,000,000/month in equivalent benefits.

5. Roles and Responsibilities of the Chief of Army Staff

The COAS is the top military leader of the Nigerian Army, with strategic and administrative duties critical to national security. Key responsibilities include:

  • Command: Oversee all Army operations, including 10 divisions, brigades, battalions, and specialized units (e.g., 72 Special Forces Battalion).
  • Planning: Develop defense strategies to counter threats (e.g., Boko Haram, banditry, separatist movements).
  • Resource Management: Allocate budgets, procure equipment, and manage personnel (~150,000 troops).
  • Policy Formulation: Advise the President and Defence Minister on military policy, ensuring alignment with national interests.
  • Operational Oversight: Direct counter-insurgency, peacekeeping (e.g., UN missions), and internal security operations.
  • Training and Welfare: Ensure troop readiness through training (e.g., Jaji, Kaduna) and welfare programs (e.g., housing, healthcare).
  • Inter-Agency Collaboration: Coordinate with Navy, Air Force, Police, and Civil Defence Corps for joint operations.
  • Public Representation: Represent the Army in national and international forums, enhancing Nigeria’s military reputation.

Example: The COAS leads efforts like Operation Hadin Kai (Northeast) and Operation Forest Sanity (Northwest), managing resources and strategy to combat terrorism.

6. Qualifications and Requirements

  • Education: B.Sc., HND, or higher from an accredited institution, often supplemented by advanced degrees (e.g., M.Sc. in Strategic Studies, as with Lagbaja).
  • Military Training: Graduate of Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA, 5 years) or Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC), plus advanced courses (e.g., Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji; National Defence College, Abuja).
  • Experience: 25–30+ years of service, progressing through ranks (Second Lieutenant to Lieutenant General).
  • Rank: Must be a Lieutenant General (or promoted upon appointment).
  • Age: Typically 50–60 years, with physical and mental fitness.
  • Other: Nigerian citizenship, no criminal record, loyalty to the Constitution, and presidential approval.
  • Skills: Strategic leadership, resource management, crisis response, diplomacy, and combat expertise.

Example: Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, appointed in 2024, is an NDA graduate with extensive operational experience in counter-insurgency and strategic planning.

7. Factors Influencing COAS Salary

  • Rank and Grade Level: As a Lieutenant General (Grade Level 9), the COAS earns at the top of the CONPASS scale.
  • Years of Service (Steps): Maximum steps (10–15) due to seniority, increasing basic salary by ~2–3% per step.
  • Allowances: Strategic roles and high-risk oversight (e.g., Northeast operations) boost allowances by 20–30%.
  • Economic Conditions: Inflation (33.4% in 2024) erodes real income; 2024 salary adjustment (~25–30%) mitigates this.
  • Government Policy: Budget allocations and presidential directives influence salary reviews.
  • Performance: Successful operations (e.g., neutralizing high-value targets) yield bonuses (~₦500,000–₦2,000,000/year).
  • Confidentiality: Limited public disclosure ensures estimates vary (e.g., ₦1.5M vs. ₦1.72M/month).

8. Challenges

  • Inflation: 33.4% in 2024 reduces purchasing power; allowances and perks help but are insufficient for rising costs.
  • High-Risk Role: Overseeing counter-terrorism operations exposes the COAS to strategic and personal risks (e.g., three COAS died in office: Akahan, Attahiru, Lagbaja).
  • Low Allowances: Ration allowance (₦2,000/month) is symbolic and criticized as inadequate, though less relevant for COAS.
  • Budget Constraints: Defense spending limits equipment and personnel welfare, increasing pressure on COAS resource management.
  • Public Scrutiny: Allegations of mismanagement or corruption (e.g., arms procurement scandals) impact morale and reputation.
  • Confidential Salary: Lack of transparency fuels speculation, with estimates varying widely (₦1.5M–₦2M/month).
  • Work-Life Balance: Constant strategic demands and national emergencies limit personal time.

9. Comparison with Other Roles

  • COAS vs. Chief of Defence Staff: The COAS (₦1,500,000–₦2,000,000/month) earns slightly less than the Chief of Defence Staff (₦2,000,000–₦2,500,000/month), reflecting the latter’s oversight of all armed forces.
  • COAS vs. Nigerian Army Captain: The COAS earns 6–8x more than a Captain (₦200,000–₦250,000/month), reflecting rank and responsibility disparities. [Previous Response: Nigerian Army Captain]
  • COAS vs. Nigeria Civil Defence Corps Commandant General: The COAS earns slightly more than the NSCDC Commandant General (~₦1,000,000–₦3,500,000/month), due to military-specific risks and scale of operations. [Previous Response: Nigeria Civil Defence Corps]
  • COAS vs. Nigerian Police Inspector General: The COAS salary is comparable to the Inspector General of Police (~₦1,500,000–₦2,000,000/month), though police allowances may vary.
  • COAS vs. Nigerian Senators: Senators earn ~₦1,063,860/month (salary) plus ~₦21,000,000/month (running costs), potentially outpacing the COAS in total compensation, sparking public debate.
  • Global Comparison: A Nigerian COAS ($938–$1,250/month at ₦1,600/$1) earns significantly less than a U.S. Army Chief of Staff ($15,000/month), reflecting economic disparities.

10. Career Path to Chief of Army Staff

  • Entry: Join as Second Lieutenant (B.Sc./HND, NDA/DSSC, ~₦120,000–₦150,000/month).
  • Progression: Promotions every 2–5 years (Lieutenant, Captain, Major, etc.), reaching Major General (~₦1,000,000–₦1,500,000/month) in ~20 years.
  • Lieutenant General: Achieved after 25–30 years, with only a few promoted to COAS (~₦1,500,000–₦2,000,000/month).
  • Appointment: Presidential selection based on seniority, performance, and loyalty.
  • Example: Lt. Gen. Oluyede, a career officer with decades of service, was appointed acting COAS in 2024.

11. Economic Context

  • Inflation: 33.4% in 2024 erodes real income; 25–30% salary increase in 2024 partially offsets this.
  • Minimum Wage: ₦70,000/month (2024) applies to lowest ranks, not the COAS, whose salary far exceeds this.
  • Defense Budget: Constraints limit equipment upgrades, increasing COAS reliance on efficient resource allocation.
  • Living Costs: Rising fuel and food prices are mitigated by perks (e.g., official residence, vehicles).

12. How to Maximize Earnings as a Senior Officer

  • Education: Pursue advanced degrees (e.g., M.Sc., Ph.D.) for faster promotions to Major General or Lieutenant General.
  • Specialization: Lead high-risk operations (e.g., counter-terrorism) for higher allowances (~₦50,000–₦200,000/month).
  • Performance: Excel in strategic operations for bonuses and presidential recognition.
  • Networking: Build relationships with senior officers and political leaders for COAS consideration.
  • Training: Attend elite courses (e.g., U.S. Army War College) to enhance credentials.
  • Recruitment: Monitor https://recruit.army.mil.ng/ for entry opportunities, though COAS is an appointed role.

13. Conclusion

The Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria, a Lieutenant General, earns an estimated gross monthly salary of ₦1,500,000–₦2,000,000 (₦18,000,000–₦24,000,000/year), with net salaries of ₦1,300,000–₦1,750,000 after deductions (₦200,000–₦250,000/month). The salary includes basic pay (₦1,200,000–₦1,500,000), allowances (₦300,000–₦500,000), and bonuses (~₦41,667–₦208,333/month), supplemented by extensive perks like official residences, vehicles, and security details. The COAS leads the Nigerian Army, managing ~150,000 troops, countering threats like Boko Haram, and shaping national defense policy. Challenges include inflation (33.4% in 2024), high-risk duties, and budget constraints, but the role offers prestige and post-service opportunities (e.g., political appointments). Due to confidentiality, salary estimates vary; verify details with the Nigerian Army or National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC). For recruitment, check https://recruit.army.mil.ng/, JobSphere Nigeria, or MySalaryScale.

Note: Salary figures are estimates based on 2024–2025 data from InquireSalary.net, RecruitmentPay.com.ng, GistBriefly.com, MySalaryScale, and other sources. Exact figures are classified and may vary by step, allowances, and economic adjustments.

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