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Nigerian Military Ranking In The World: 2025 Update
As of 2025, Nigeria's military ranks 36th globally and 4th in Africa, according to the latest Global Firepower Index (GFP). This ranking reflects Nigeria's ongoing efforts to bolster its military capabilities despite facing numerous internal and external security challenges.
Global Position and Factors Influencing Ranking
Globally, Nigeria stands as the 36th most powerful military out of 145 countries evaluated. This is a slight drop from its previous position of 35th in 2022. The GFP ranking system uses over 60 factors to determine the power index score, including the number and diversity of military units, available manpower, logistical capabilities, and financial stability. Nigeria's PwrIndx score for 2025 is 0.5587, which, while commendable, indicates areas needing improvement.
Regional Ranking within Africa
Within Africa, Nigeria holds the 4th position, trailing behind Egypt, Algeria, and South Africa. Egypt, with its substantial military infrastructure and advanced technology, leads the continent and ranks 14th globally. Algeria follows as the second in Africa and 26th worldwide, while South Africa ranks third on the continent and 33rd globally. Nigeria's slip from third to fourth in Africa suggests the growing competition and military investments among African nations.
Strengths and Capabilities
Nigeria's military has several strengths that contribute to its relatively high ranking. The country's large population provides a significant manpower base, with over 280,000 military personnel, including active and paramilitary forces. Nigeria's airpower, though limited in the number of advanced aircraft, remains a vital component of its military, with 147 total aircraft, including 14 fighters and 15 attack helicopters. The land forces are equipped with around 343 tanks and over 6,000 armored vehicles, while the naval forces consist of 133 assets, primarily focused on patrol and mine warfare.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, the Nigerian military faces several challenges that may have contributed to its slight drop in global ranking. One significant issue is the lack of transparency and information regarding the latest military hardware acquisitions, which impacts the perception of its capabilities. Additionally, incidents such as accidental bombings by the Nigerian Air Force have raised concerns about operational efficiency and could have negatively influenced the rankings.
Moreover, the geopolitical environment in Nigeria, characterized by ongoing internal conflicts such as the Boko Haram insurgency and separatist movements, places additional strain on the military. These challenges require substantial resources and attention, potentially limiting the focus on modernization and external defense capabilities.
Conclusion
Nigeria's military remains a formidable force both within Africa and on the global stage. However, its recent drop in rankings highlights the need for continued investment in military technology, improved transparency, and effective management of internal security threats. As the country navigates its complex security landscape, the Nigerian Armed Forces must continue to adapt and evolve to maintain and improve its standing in future global rankings.
