Nigerian Air Force Salary And Allowance Structure 2025: Official Pay Per Month For (Naf) Personnel
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) remains one of the most essential arms of the Nigerian Armed Forces, responsible for securing Nigeria’s airspace and participating in both national and international military operations. In 2025, the Nigerian government implemented a new minimum wage of ₦70,000, which has impacted the entire military salary structure, including that of the NAF.
This blog post provides an up-to-date and comprehensive breakdown of the 2025 Nigerian Air Force salary structure, from entry-level airmen to the highest-ranking officers, alongside various allowances and benefits.
Overview of the 2025 NAF Salary Structure
The Nigerian Air Force salary structure is governed by the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS). In light of the newly approved ₦70,000 minimum wage in Nigeria, all military pay scales have been reviewed upward to reflect this economic adjustment.
The NAF salary structure is based on:
- Rank
- Years of service
- Responsibilities
- Specialized training
- Risk exposure
Let’s break down how each rank is now paid under the 2025 wage system.
Commissioned Officers: Updated Monthly Salary (2025)
Commissioned officers in the Nigerian Air Force are elite personnel who hold command positions and are responsible for strategic military planning and leadership.
Rank |
Updated Monthly Salary (₦) |
Air Chief Marshal |
₦2,250,000 |
Air Marshal |
₦1,950,000 |
Air Vice-Marshal |
₦1,750,000 |
Air Commodore |
₦950,000 |
Group Captain |
₦720,000 |
Wing Commander |
₦670,000 |
Squadron Leader |
₦570,000 |
Flight Lieutenant |
₦510,000 |
Flying Officer |
₦460,000 |
Pilot Officer |
₦400,000 |
These salaries reflect leadership responsibilities and years of experience, with the Air Chief Marshal being the highest-paid officer.
Non-Commissioned Officers and Airmen: Updated Monthly Salary (2025)
Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and airmen form the operational backbone of the Air Force. Their duties span intelligence, mechanical engineering, logistics, weaponry, aviation technology, and security.
Rank |
Updated Monthly Salary (₦) |
Air Warrant Officer |
₦300,000 |
Master Warrant Officer |
₦290,000 |
Warrant Officer |
₦240,000 |
Flight Sergeant |
₦210,000 |
Sergeant |
₦180,000 |
Corporal |
₦150,000 |
Lance Corporal |
₦130,000 |
Aircraftman/woman |
₦100,000 |
Trainee (Cadet) |
₦70,000 |
The lowest rank (Trainee) now receives the new minimum wage of ₦70,000 monthly.
Updated Allowances for NAF Personnel in 2025
In addition to monthly salaries, Nigerian Air Force personnel receive a wide range of allowances. These benefits are tailored to specific roles, duties, locations, and risks involved in the service.
1. Ration (Feeding) Allowance
- All Ranks: ₦90,000 per month (₦3,000 per day)
2. Transport Allowance
- Senior Officers: ₦50,000 – ₦100,000 monthly
- NCOs and Airmen: ₦30,000 – ₦60,000 monthly
3. Housing/Accommodation Allowance
- Senior Officers: ₦150,000 – ₦250,000
- Junior Officers: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000
- NCOs and Airmen: ₦50,000 – ₦100,000
4. Hazard Allowance
- Personnel in high-risk zones receive ₦100,000 – ₦250,000 monthly.
5. Flying Allowance (for Pilots and Aircrew)
- Pilots: ₦150,000 – ₦350,000
- Aircrew: ₦100,000 – ₦200,000
6. Technical Allowance
- Technical staff (engineers, IT, communications): ₦50,000 – ₦150,000
7. Uniform and Kit Allowance
- Annual allowance of ₦100,000 – ₦200,000 based on rank.
8. Training Allowance (For Cadets and Trainees)
- SSCE Holders: ₦70,000 – ₦100,000 monthly
- Graduates (B.Sc, HND): ₦120,000 – ₦150,000 monthly
9. Command Responsibility Allowance
- For officers in leadership positions (base commanders, wing leaders): ₦100,000 – ₦300,000
Other Welfare Benefits
In 2025, the Nigerian Air Force has also enhanced its personnel welfare packages:
Healthcare
- Free medical treatment for officers, airmen, and immediate family at NAF hospitals
- Emergency care, surgeries, and specialist consultations
- Dental and optical care included
Pension and Gratuity
- Retiring officers and airmen receive retirement benefits under the Pension Reform Act.
- Gratuity is calculated based on last salary, years of service, and rank.
Life Insurance and Death-in-Service Benefit
- Family members of deceased personnel receive compensation up to ₦5 million depending on the officer’s rank and cause of death.
Nigerian Air Force Recruitment: What You Need to Know
Interested in joining the Nigerian Air Force?
Basic Requirements:
- Must be a Nigerian citizen by birth
- Age: 18–30 (depending on role)
- Minimum education: SSCE with 5 credits (including English and Mathematics)
- Height: Minimum of 1.66m (male) and 1.63m (female)
- Medical fitness required
Recruitment is usually conducted yearly through the official portal: www.airforce.mil.ng
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the starting salary of a Nigerian Air Force recruit in 2025?
A: The starting salary for a trainee is now ₦70,000 monthly, in line with the new minimum wage.
Q2: How much does a Flying Officer earn in 2025?
A: A Flying Officer earns about ₦460,000 per month, excluding allowances.
Q3: What allowances do Nigerian Air Force officers receive?
A: They receive housing, feeding, transport, hazard, command, and flying allowances, depending on role and rank.
Q4: Do NAF personnel get free healthcare?
A: Yes. All personnel and their dependents enjoy free medical services at NAF hospitals.
Q5: Is accommodation provided for NAF personnel?
A: Yes. Personnel may stay in barracks or receive monthly accommodation allowances.
Q6: Do pilots earn more than regular officers?
A: Yes. Pilots receive special flying and technical allowances that increase their monthly pay significantly.
Q7: Are Nigerian Air Force salaries tax-free?
A: No. Military salaries are subject to statutory deductions including tax and pension contributions.
Conclusion
With the ₦70,000 minimum wage now in effect, the Nigerian Air Force has updated its salary structure across all ranks, ensuring fair compensation for service and sacrifice. The additional allowances and welfare packages provided make the NAF not only a prestigious but also a financially rewarding career for those committed to national service.
For anyone looking to build a future in the Nigerian military, the Nigerian Air Force offers both honor and stability.