The Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC) is one of the premier institutions responsible for grooming future officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). It offers a 5-year academic and paramilitary training program leading to a bachelor's degree and automatic commissioning into the force as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
While cadets are under training, they receive monthly allowances to support their welfare, and upon graduation, their salaries reflect their new status as commissioned officers.
Cadet Allowance Structure in 2025
Cadets at the Police Academy are not full police officers yet, but they receive monthly stipends to cover basic needs such as feeding, clothing, and other essentials. These stipends are funded by the federal government.
Training Allowance Table
|
Cadet Level |
Monthly Allowance (₦) |
Training Duration |
|
Police Academy Cadet (Regular Course) |
₦25,000 – ₦50,000 |
5 years |
|
Cadet ASP (Direct Short Service) |
₦15,000 – ₦25,000 |
1 year |
Note: The exact amount varies depending on internal academy policies, performance, and federal budget allocations.
Salary Structure After Graduation
After successful completion of the 5-year program, cadets are automatically commissioned as Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP) in the Nigeria Police Force.
Here’s the updated salary range for ASPs in 2025:
|
Rank |
Monthly Salary (₦) |
Annual Salary (₦) |
|
Assistant Superintendent of Police |
₦136,616 – ₦156,318 |
₦1.63 million – ₦1.87 million |
This marks a substantial upgrade from their cadet allowance, recognizing their full responsibilities as commissioned officers.
Additional Allowances & Benefits for Police Officers
Apart from their monthly salaries, newly commissioned ASPs and other ranks in the force are entitled to several allowances and benefits to support their role:
Common Allowances for Police Officers:
- Housing Allowance – for officers not provided with government accommodation.
- Transport Allowance – to ease mobility across duty posts.
- Risk & Hazard Allowance – compensation for exposure to danger.
- Uniform Maintenance Allowance – to support upkeep of official gear.
- Medical Allowance – partial or full health care support.
- Shift Duty Allowance – extra pay for night shifts or non-traditional hours.
- Meal Subsidy – monthly support for feeding expenses.
- Pension & Gratuity – long-term post-retirement benefits.
The availability of these allowances depends on an officer’s location, risk level of the posting, and operational duties.
Summary Table: Salary & Allowance Breakdown
|
Category |
Amount (₦) |
Details |
|
Training Allowance |
₦25,000 – ₦50,000/month |
Paid to POLAC cadets (5 years) |
|
Cadet ASP (Short) |
₦15,000 – ₦25,000/month |
Paid during 1-year short course |
|
ASP Salary |
₦136,616 – ₦156,318/month |
Post-training, as commissioned officer |
|
Other Allowances |
Varies |
Housing, risk, transport, etc. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much do cadets in the Nigerian Police Academy earn monthly?
Cadets receive a monthly allowance ranging from ₦25,000 to ₦50,000, depending on various factors.
2. What rank are cadets commissioned into after graduating?
After completing the Police Academy program, cadets are commissioned as Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP).
3. Are cadets entitled to full police salaries during training?
No. Cadets only receive stipends during training. Full salaries begin after graduation and commissioning.
4. How long is training at the Police Academy?
The Nigeria Police Academy offers a 5-year regular course for degree programs and a 1-year short course for direct cadet ASPs.
5. Do ASPs receive other financial benefits apart from salary?
Yes. ASPs are eligible for several allowances, including housing, transport, medical, risk, and uniform maintenance allowances.
Final Thoughts
Joining the Nigeria Police Academy is not only a pathway to serving the nation but also a gateway to financial stability and a structured career. Cadets start with basic allowances, but once commissioned, their salary and benefits grow substantially. For those committed to a career in national security and law enforcement, POLAC remains a prestigious and rewarding institution.
