Nigerian Army Salary Structure 2026: Ranks, Allowances and Benefits Explained

Understanding the Nigerian Army ranks and salary structure is important for anyone considering a military career or simply researching how the Nigerian Armed Forces operate. This guide presents a carefully researched, reader-focused breakdown of Nigerian Army ranks, salaries, allowances, and career progression, using verified data and removing conflicting or outdated figures.

All salary figures in this article represent base pay ranges. Actual monthly earnings are usually higher due to allowances and operational benefits.

Overview of the Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army is the largest arm of the Nigerian Armed Forces and one of the strongest military forces in Sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 1960 after Nigeria’s independence, the Army is constitutionally empowered to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity, maintain internal security, and participate in regional and international peacekeeping missions.

Categories of Nigerian Army Ranks

The Nigerian Army rank structure is divided into two major categories:

• Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)
• Commissioned Officers

Each category comes with defined responsibilities, authority levels, and salary scales.

Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs): Ranks and Salaries

Non-Commissioned Officers form the backbone of the Nigerian Army. They handle daily operations, troop discipline, and technical duties.

NCO Salary Structure

Rank	Monthly Salary Range	Annual Salary Range
Recruit / Trainee	₦70,000 – ₦86,000	₦840,000 – ₦1,032,000
Private Soldier	₦78,000 – ₦89,000	₦936,000 – ₦1,068,000
Lance Corporal	₦89,000 – ₦98,000	₦1,068,000 – ₦1,176,000
Corporal	₦93,000 – ₦109,000	₦1,116,000 – ₦1,308,000
Sergeant	₦109,000 – ₦124,000	₦1,308,000 – ₦1,488,000
Staff Sergeant	₦124,000 – ₦140,000	₦1,488,000 – ₦1,680,000
Warrant Officer	₦148,000 – ₦171,000	₦1,776,000 – ₦2,052,000
Master Warrant Officer	₦187,000 – ₦249,000	₦2,244,000 – ₦2,988,000
Army Warrant Officer	₦249,000 – ₦280,000	₦2,988,000 – ₦3,360,000

Commissioned Officers: Ranks and Salaries

Commissioned officers are trained leaders who command units, plan operations, and make strategic decisions. Most enter through the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Short Service Commission (SSC), or Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC).

Recommended: Nigerian Army DSSC Recruitment Form 2026 is out, See How to Apply for Course 29

Commissioned Officers Salary Structure

Rank	Monthly Salary Range	Annual Salary Range
Second Lieutenant	₦187,000 – ₦280,000	₦2,244,000 – ₦3,360,000
Lieutenant	₦289,000 – ₦327,000	₦3,468,000 – ₦3,924,000
Captain	₦311,000 – ₦373,000	₦3,732,000 – ₦4,476,000
Major	₦358,000 – ₦467,000	₦4,296,000 – ₦5,604,000
Lieutenant Colonel	₦467,000 – ₦560,000	₦5,604,000 – ₦6,720,000
Colonel	₦560,000 – ₦933,000	₦6,720,000 – ₦11,196,000
Brigadier General	₦1,011,000 – ₦1,244,000	₦12,132,000 – ₦14,928,000
Major General	₦1,244,000 – ₦1,867,000	₦14,928,000 – ₦22,404,000
Lieutenant General	₦1,867,000 – ₦2,645,000	₦22,404,000 – ₦31,740,000
General	₦2,333,000 – ₦3,111,000	₦27,996,000 – ₦37,332,000
Field Marshal	Not applicable	Honorary rank (never attained in Nigeria)

Nigerian Army Allowances and Benefits

Base salary alone does not reflect what soldiers actually earn. Allowances can increase total monthly income by 40 to 60 percent, depending on posting and role.

Common Monthly Allowances

• Military Service Allowance
• Hazard Allowance
• Housing or Accommodation Allowance
• Transport Allowance
• Ration Allowance
• Uniform Allowance
• Operation Allowance
• Hardship Allowance
• Training Allowance
• Special Forces Allowance

Allowances vary by rank, location, and operational duties.

Example of Total Monthly Earnings

A Captain posted to an operational area may earn:

• Base Salary: ₦340,000 (average)
• Military Service Allowance
• Hazard Allowance
• Hardship Allowance
• Housing Allowance
• Transport Allowance
• Ration Allowance
• Operation Allowance

Estimated Total Monthly Income: ₦500,000 – ₦550,000

Entry Routes into the Nigerian Army

Regular Recruit Intake (RRI)

• Entry Level: Private Soldier
• Training Duration: 6 months
• Minimum Requirement: Secondary School Certificate

Short Service Commission (SSC)

• Entry Rank: Second Lieutenant
• Training Duration: 9 months
• Service Term: 15 years (renewable)
• Target Group: Graduates

Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC)

• Entry Rank: Lieutenant
• Training Duration: 6 months
• Target Group: Professionals (engineers, doctors, nurses, lawyers)

Direct Regular Combatant Commission (DRCC)

• For serving NCOs who acquire university degrees
• Enables transition to commissioned officer cadre

Promotion Structure and Career Progression

Promotion in the Nigerian Army is based on:

• Time spent in current rank
• Performance evaluations
• Required military courses
• Operational experience
• Discipline and conduct
• Availability of vacancies

Promotion timelines range from 2 to 6 years, depending on rank and performance.

Retirement and Post-Service Benefits

Retirement Age

• Enlisted Personnel: 35 years of service or age 60
• Officers: Between ages 55 and 60, depending on rank

Retirement Benefits

• Lump sum gratuity (₦3 million to ₦50 million+, depending on rank)
• Monthly pension
• Free or subsidised medical care
• Resettlement training and vocational support

Senior officers receive additional benefits such as official vehicles, drivers, security personnel, and overseas medical care.

Recommended: Nigerian Army Recruitment Past Questions and Answers PDF Download

The Nigerian Army offers structured career growth, competitive compensation, and long-term benefits for those willing to serve. While the profession comes with risks and discipline, it remains one of the most stable and respected career paths in Nigeria.

Anyone considering joining should always rely on official Nigerian Army announcements and recruitment portals for the most current information.