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Nigerian Army Official Salary & Levels + Allowance Structure In Nigeria (2025)

The Nigerian Army, as the largest component of the Nigerian Armed Forces, plays a vital role in maintaining peace, territorial integrity, and national security. In return, officers and soldiers are rewarded with structured monthly salaries, rank-based promotions, and various allowances. With the introduction of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage in 2025, salaries have also been reviewed.

In this article, we provide a detailed breakdown of the 2025 Nigerian Army salary structure, including ranks, levels, and allowances.

Nigerian Army Rank Categories

The Nigerian Army is divided into two major categories:

Commissioned Officers (Officers with military degrees or special commissioning)
Non-Commissioned Officers (Soldiers who rise through the ranks or enter via recruitment)

Nigerian Army Salary Structure in 2025 (Monthly)

Commissioned Officers' Ranks and Monthly Salaries

Rank	Monthly Salary (₦)
Second Lieutenant	₦210,000 – ₦250,000
Lieutenant	₦230,000 – ₦270,000
Captain	₦270,000 – ₦310,000
Major	₦300,000 – ₦350,000
Lieutenant Colonel	₦350,000 – ₦450,000
Colonel	₦450,000 – ₦550,000
Brigadier General	₦600,000 – ₦800,000
Major General	₦950,000 – ₦1,100,000
Lieutenant General	₦1.5 million – ₦1.7 million
General (Chief of Army Staff)	₦2 million – ₦2.5 million

Non-Commissioned Officers' Ranks and Monthly Salaries

Rank	Monthly Salary (₦)
Recruit (in training)	₦70,000
Private	₦75,000 – ₦90,000
Lance Corporal	₦90,000 – ₦100,000
Corporal	₦100,000 – ₦110,000
Sergeant	₦120,000 – ₦140,000
Staff Sergeant	₦150,000 – ₦160,000
Warrant Officer	₦180,000 – ₦200,000
Master Warrant Officer	₦210,000 – ₦230,000
Army Warrant Officer	₦250,000 – ₦280,000

Allowances in the Nigerian Army (2025)

Apart from monthly salaries, Nigerian Army personnel are entitled to various allowances depending on their rank, assignment, and duty location.

Key Allowances Include:

Allowance Type	Estimated Monthly Range (₦)
Housing Allowance	₦15,000 – ₦50,000
Transport Allowance	₦10,000 – ₦25,000
Uniform/Maintenance Allowance	₦10,000 – ₦30,000
Operation/Danger Allowance	₦50,000 – ₦150,000
Hardship Allowance	₦20,000 – ₦50,000
Medical Allowance	Fully covered
Special Duty Allowance	₦40,000 – ₦120,000
Training Allowance	₦10,000 – ₦40,000

Note: These amounts can vary depending on mission deployment, operational base, and years of service.

Factors Affecting Army Salary in Nigeria

Rank – Higher ranks command higher pay.
Years of Service – The longer you've served, the more you earn.
Location – Soldiers in conflict zones or border operations earn more through allowances.
Special Units – Officers in elite units like Special Forces or Intelligence Corps receive additional pay.

FAQs About Nigerian Army Salary and Benefits

Q1: What is the starting salary for a Nigerian Army recruit in 2025?

A: A recruit in training earns about ₦70,000 per month, in line with the national minimum wage.

Q2: Are Nigerian Army officers entitled to pension?

A: Yes, military personnel are enrolled in the federal pension scheme and receive post-retirement benefits.

Q3: Do soldiers pay for uniforms or accommodation?

A: No. Uniforms and accommodation are either fully provided or subsidized via allowances.

Q4: What is the salary of the Chief of Army Staff?

A: The Chief of Army Staff earns between ₦2 million – ₦2.5 million monthly, excluding allowances and official entitlements.

Q5: Can soldiers access loans or mortgage facilities?

A: Yes, Nigerian Army personnel are eligible for federal mortgage programs, military housing schemes, and military cooperative loans.

Conclusion

The Nigerian Army salary and allowance structure in 2025 reflects improvements aimed at motivating and sustaining military personnel, especially with the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage. From the recruit level to top generals, earnings are structured, and allowances cater to the unique demands of military life.