Nigerian Army Salary And Allowance Structure 2025: Approved Rates For Officers And Soldiers
The Nigerian Army plays a crucial role in defending the nation, maintaining internal security, and participating in international peacekeeping missions. Whether you're considering a military career or just curious about how much soldiers and officers earn, understanding the salary and allowance structure is essential.
In this guide, we’ll break down the officially approved salaries and allowances for the Nigerian Army in 2025, explaining how much officers and soldiers take home each month. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about army pay and benefits.
Nigerian Army Ranks and Structure
The Nigerian Army is structured into two main categories:
1. Commissioned Officers
These are the senior officers who undergo extensive training and hold leadership roles in the army. They are responsible for planning military operations and making strategic decisions.
2. Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Enlisted Soldiers
These include the lower-ranking personnel who execute orders and perform field duties. They form the backbone of the military, ensuring smooth operations on the ground.
Each rank in these categories comes with a specific salary and set of allowances. Let’s dive into the details.
Nigerian Army Salary Structure for Commissioned Officers (2025)
Commissioned officers earn higher salaries due to their leadership responsibilities and years of training. Here’s a breakdown of their estimated monthly salaries:
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General – ₦1,500,000
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Lieutenant General – ₦1,000,000
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Major General – ₦950,000
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Brigadier General – ₦750,000
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Colonel – ₦550,000
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Lieutenant Colonel – ₦350,000
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Major – ₦300,000
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Captain – ₦220,000
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Lieutenant – ₦180,000
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Second Lieutenant – ₦120,000
Note: The highest rank in the Nigerian Army is Field Marshal, but no officer has ever held this position in the country’s history.
Nigerian Army Salary Structure for Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers (2025)
The salaries of non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel vary based on experience and promotions:
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Master Warrant Officer – ₦90,000
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Warrant Officer – ₦80,000
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Staff Sergeant – ₦68,000
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Sergeant – ₦63,000
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Corporal – ₦58,000
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Lance Corporal – ₦55,000
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Private Soldier – ₦49,000
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Recruit – Training allowance only (full salary starts after training)
Recent Updates on Army Allowances
In 2025, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, announced a significant increase in the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) for Nigerian Army troops. The allowance was raised from ₦1,500 to ₦3,000 per day, ensuring that soldiers receive better daily feeding support.
This increase highlights the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving the welfare of its personnel and making military service more rewarding.
Allowances and Benefits for Nigerian Army Personnel
Apart from their salaries, Nigerian Army officers and soldiers receive various allowances and benefits to support their well-being. These include:
1. Housing Allowance
Soldiers are provided with accommodation within army barracks. However, those who live outside the barracks receive a housing allowance to help cover rent and living expenses.
2. Medical Allowance
The army covers the medical expenses of its personnel and, in many cases, their immediate family members. This ensures that soldiers receive proper healthcare without financial burden.
3. Uniform Allowance
To maintain a professional appearance, soldiers receive a uniform allowance to help them purchase and maintain their military uniforms.
4. Training Allowance
During their training period, cadets and recruits receive monthly stipends:
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Short Service Cadets – ₦15,000 to ₦25,000
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Regular Cadets – ₦25,000 to ₦50,000
5. Travel Allowance
Soldiers deployed for official duties, military operations, or international missions receive travel allowances to cover their expenses.
6. Hazard Allowance
Troops posted to conflict zones, such as Borno, Kaduna, or other high-risk areas, receive hazard allowances as compensation for the dangers they face in active combat.
7. Pension and Gratuity
After retirement, military personnel receive pension benefits and gratuities based on their rank and years of service. The Nigerian Army ensures that its retirees receive financial security after active duty.
Factors That Influence Nigerian Army Salaries and Allowances
Several factors determine how much a soldier or officer earns in the Nigerian Army:
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Government Policies – Salaries are set by the federal government and may change depending on budget allocations.
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Economic Conditions – Inflation and cost of living adjustments can lead to salary reviews.
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Rank and Years of Service – Higher-ranking officers and experienced soldiers earn more.
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Deployments and Special Assignments – Soldiers on special missions, such as peacekeeping operations, receive additional allowances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Nigerian Army salaries taxed?
Yes, Nigerian Army salaries are subject to taxation like all other government employees. However, some allowances may be tax-free.
2. Do soldiers get paid during training?
Yes, cadets and recruits receive training stipends before they officially begin earning a full salary.
3. Do Nigerian Army personnel receive bonuses?
Yes, officers and soldiers may receive bonuses for outstanding performance, combat missions, and peacekeeping operations.
4. Can soldiers get promoted quickly?
Promotions in the Nigerian Army are based on years of service, performance, and available vacancies within the rank structure.
5. Do retired army officers receive pensions?
Yes, retired officers receive monthly pensions and gratuities based on their years of service and rank at retirement.
6. How can I join the Nigerian Army?
To join the Nigerian Army, you must:
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Be a Nigerian citizen
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Meet the age and educational requirements for your chosen entry level
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Pass the physical and medical fitness tests
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Apply through the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal
7. Does the Nigerian Army offer scholarships?
Yes, the Nigerian Army provides scholarships and sponsorship programs for soldiers’ children and outstanding cadets.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Army offers competitive salaries and attractive allowances to its personnel, ensuring they are well compensated for their service. While the pay structure varies based on rank and experience, additional allowances make military service a financially stable career choice.
With the recent increase in Ration Cash Allowance and other benefits, the government continues to prioritize the welfare of soldiers. If you’re considering a career in the army, you can expect financial stability, professional growth, and numerous perks beyond just the monthly salary.
Would you like to join the Nigerian Army? Let us know in the comments!
