Highest Paid Para-Military Forces In Nigeria 2025: How Much Do They Really Earn?
Nigeria is a country where internal security is crucial to national stability. Beyond the military, para-military forces play a critical role in safeguarding borders, enforcing laws, maintaining order, and protecting lives and property. These organizations are structured, uniformed, and disciplined, with well-defined ranks and responsibilities.
In 2025, para-military forces in Nigeria have seen a significant boost in remuneration due to inflation, increased responsibilities, and policy reforms like the new ₦70,000 minimum wage. In this blog post, we’ll explore the highest paid para-military organizations in Nigeria, their salary structures, responsibilities, and what makes them financially attractive to Nigerians considering a career in uniformed services.
1. Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
The Nigeria Customs Service is the highest paid para-military agency in Nigeria in 2025. This agency is tasked with the responsibility of revenue generation through customs duties, border security, and preventing smuggling. Customs officers operate at seaports, airports, and land borders.
Salary Structure
The salary of NCS personnel is based on rank and qualification. The Consolidated Para-Military Salary Structure (CONPASS) is used.
- Customs Assistant (Entry-Level - Level 03): ₦90,000 – ₦100,000 monthly
- Inspector of Customs (Level 06): ₦130,000 – ₦150,000 monthly
- Assistant Superintendent (Level 08): ₦160,000 – ₦190,000 monthly
- Deputy Comptroller of Customs: ₦300,000 – ₦500,000 monthly
- Comptroller-General of Customs: ₦1.5 million monthly
Allowances and Benefits
- Hazard Allowance
- Transport and Housing Allowance
- Uniform Maintenance Allowance
- Duty Tour Allowance
With a robust welfare package and performance-based promotions, NCS continues to attract top talent.
2. Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
The Nigeria Immigration Service is responsible for border control, visa issuance, passport processing, and national identity protection. It is among the most structured para-military forces.
Salary Structure
- Immigration Assistant (Level 03 – Entry): ₦80,000 – ₦95,000 monthly
- Assistant Inspector (Level 06): ₦120,000 – ₦145,000 monthly
- Superintendent of Immigration (Level 08): ₦170,000 – ₦200,000 monthly
- Assistant Comptroller General: ₦700,000 – ₦1 million monthly
- Comptroller General of Immigration: ₦1.2 million monthly
Allowances
- Rent Subsidy
- Travel and Transfer Allowance
- Risk/Hazard Allowance
- Uniform Allowance
Immigration officers deployed to border posts and international airports also enjoy additional duty allowances.
3. Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
The NSCDC is charged with protecting critical infrastructure, disaster response, and working alongside other agencies in crisis situations.
Salary Structure (Yearly – CONPASS)
- Assistant Cadre (Level 03-05): ₦296,000 – ₦374,000
- Inspectorate Cadre (Level 06-07): ₦483,000 – ₦567,000
- Assistant Superintendent Cadre II (Level 08): ₦858,000 – ₦986,000
- Superintendent Cadre II (Level 10): ₦1.09 million – ₦1.25 million
- Chief Superintendent Cadre II (Level 12): ₦1.15 million – ₦1.32 million
- Assistant Commander – Commander Level (13–15): ₦1.2 million – ₦1.9 million
Allowances
- Housing
- Duty Tour Allowance
- Uniform Maintenance
- Risk Allowance
With over 60,000 officers nationwide, NSCDC is a key player in Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
4. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
FRSC is responsible for traffic management, enforcement of traffic laws, and road safety awareness campaigns. Officers are often seen on highways nationwide.
Salary Structure (Annual)
- Marshal Assistant III (Entry Level): ₦305,000
- Inspector Cadre: ₦800,000 – ₦1.2 million
- Officer Cadre (Level 08 – Graduate Entry): ₦1.4 million – ₦1.7 million
- Chief Inspector: ₦1.4 million – ₦1.5 million
Allowances
- Special Duty Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Hazard and Risk Allowance
- Vehicle Maintenance Subsidy
FRSC officers benefit from continuous training, public recognition, and nationwide deployment.
5. Department of State Services (DSS)
DSS is Nigeria’s primary domestic intelligence agency responsible for counter-terrorism, surveillance, and protection of key political figures.
Salary Structure
DSS does not publicly publish salary details due to the sensitive nature of the agency. However, estimates suggest:
- Entry-Level Officers: ₦150,000 – ₦180,000 monthly
- Senior Officers: ₦250,000 – ₦400,000 monthly
- Director-General of DSS: ₦1.3 million or more monthly
Benefits and Allowances
- Intelligence and Covert Operations Allowance
- Housing and Special Risk Allowance
- Vehicle and Communication Allowances
- Bonus for high-risk missions
DSS staff are well-compensated due to the sensitive and dangerous nature of their duties.
6. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
NDLEA tackles drug trafficking, substance abuse, and narcotics crimes. The agency operates at airports, seaports, borders, and within local communities.
Salary Structure
- Narcotic Assistant (Entry Level): ₦100,000 – ₦120,000 monthly
- Narcotic Officer (Graduate Cadre): ₦170,000 – ₦200,000 monthly
- Superintendent Cadre: ₦250,000 – ₦300,000 monthly
- Commanders (Senior Management): ₦500,000 – ₦900,000 monthly
Allowances
- Duty and Combat Allowance
- Health and Life Insurance
- Risk Allowance
- Operational Allowance
With high risks involved in operations, NDLEA offers attractive compensation and career advancement paths.
7. Nigeria Police Force (NPF)
Although technically not classified strictly as para-military by global standards, in Nigeria the police force operates with similar structure and responsibilities.
Salary Structure
- Police Constable (Entry): ₦45,000 – ₦55,000 monthly
- Sergeant: ₦60,000 – ₦70,000 monthly
- Inspector of Police: ₦80,000 – ₦100,000 monthly
- Superintendent: ₦140,000 – ₦160,000 monthly
- Commissioner of Police: ₦300,000+
- Inspector General: ₦1.5 million+
Allowances
- Housing and Transportation
- Hazard and Uniform Allowances
- Duty Tour
- Risk and Operational Duty Bonuses
Despite facing challenges such as underfunding and low morale, the Nigeria Police Force remains one of the most widely spread and critical security agencies.
Comparison Table of Highest Earning Para-Military Forces in Nigeria (2025)
|
Para-Military Force |
Entry-Level Salary (Monthly) |
Top Rank Salary (Monthly) |
|
Nigeria Customs Service |
₦90,000 – ₦100,000 |
₦1.5 million |
|
Nigeria Immigration Service |
₦80,000 – ₦95,000 |
₦1.2 million |
|
NSCDC |
₦296,000/year (approx ₦25k/mo) |
₦1.9 million/year |
|
FRSC |
₦305,000/year (approx ₦26k/mo) |
₦1.5 million/year |
|
DSS |
₦150,000 – ₦180,000 |
₦1.3 million |
|
NDLEA |
₦100,000 – ₦120,000 |
₦900,000 |
|
NPF |
₦45,000 – ₦55,000 |
₦1.5 million |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is the highest paid para-military force in Nigeria in 2025?
The Nigeria Customs Service is the highest paid, with top officers earning over ₦1.5 million monthly.
What is the entry-level salary in Nigeria Immigration Service?
Entry-level officers earn between ₦80,000 and ₦95,000 monthly, depending on qualifications.
Is the Nigeria Police Force part of para-military services?
While not globally considered para-military, in Nigeria, NPF functions similarly and is often grouped with other uniformed security agencies.
Do para-military officers receive pensions and gratuities?
Yes, all federal para-military personnel in Nigeria are covered under the Pension Reform Act.
Are allowances included in the basic salary?
No. Allowances such as housing, transport, risk, and uniform are paid separately in addition to the basic salary.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s para-military forces are essential to national development, internal peace, and security. In 2025, these agencies have received commendable upgrades in salary and welfare packages, especially in light of economic changes and increased threats to national security. For anyone considering a uniformed career outside the military, these organizations offer not just prestige, but competitive earnings, job security, and retirement benefits.
