This article aims to provide essential information on the ranks and salary structure of the Nigerian Army. Whether you seek to gain a general understanding of the army or aspire to become a member, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the Nigerian Army's ranks and salary structure. Continue reading to acquire further knowledge.
How well-acquainted are you with the Nigerian Army? Do you possess knowledge about the Nigerian Army's ranks and salary structure? If not, you are in luck! The purpose of this article is to assist our readers in gaining insight into the Nigerian Army's ranks and salary structure.
Within this article, we will present the Nigerian Army's ranks and the monthly salary received by its personnel. Consequently, upon reading this article, you will be well-informed about the Nigerian Army's ranks and salary structure. If this is of interest to you, please proceed.
There are aspects you should be aware of concerning the Nigerian Army, particularly if you have an interest in joining its ranks in the future.
However, before we commence, we would like to provide you with a brief overview of the Nigerian Army and its functions. This will serve as a foundation before going into details about the Nigerian Army's ranks and salary structure.
The Nigerian Army operates under the governance of the Nigerian Army Council (NAC) and constitutes the largest part of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Established in 1960, it assumes responsibility for land warfare operations and remains the largest army in Africa in terms of size.
Duties of the Nigerian Army
1. Protecting the lives of Nigerians:
Protecting Nigerian lives is the primary duty of the Nigerian Army. They are committed to safeguarding civilians and are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice if necessary.
2. Train new soldiers:
In times of peace, the Nigerian Army remains vigilant and prepared. They train, equip, and organize new officers who are capable of carrying out land-based combat operations.
3. Respond to crisis:
The Army is strategically structured and equipped to respond swiftly to both natural and man-made crises, both within and outside Nigeria. They possess the capability to execute decisive operations right from the onset of conflicts.
By doing so, they play a crucial role in deterring conflicts and preventing adversaries from achieving their political and military objectives.
4. Shape the Nigerian security environment:
The Nigerian Army holds a significant presence, surpassing that of the air force or naval forces. This presence shapes the security environment, safeguarding Nigeria's sovereignty and fostering trust and confidence. Additionally, they actively work towards promoting regional stability, supporting democratic institutions, and deterring conflicts.
It goes without saying that the absence of our army would lead to an increase in terrorists and insurgents threatening our nation. Their mere presence alone is sufficient to prevent the outbreak of war.
5. Safeguard and assert control over Nigerian territories:
One of the key responsibilities of the Nigerian army is to safeguard and assert control over Nigerian territories. From the borders to the core of the nation, the Nigerian army ensures that external forces do not violate our territorial integrity.
6. Preserve our valuable resources, historical sites, and other significant locations:
Historical sites and locations of great importance, such as the Aso Rock, Zuma rock, and more, are often targeted by enemy forces. Any damage inflicted upon these places would have severe repercussions on Nigeria's economy, reputation, and governance. Therefore, the military, including the army, is entrusted with the crucial task of protecting these high-priority areas.
According to reports, the Aso Rock is one of the most heavily fortified locations in the world.
7. Intervene during times of rebellion:
While the primary role of the Nigerian army is to defend the nation against external threats, there are instances when internal conflicts become too challenging for the paramilitary forces to handle alone. Examples of such situations include the Boko Haram war, the Biafran war, and conflicts against militants. In such cases, as we have witnessed and will continue to witness, the army steps in to put an end to rebellions and restore peace and order in society.
8. Support Nigerian allies:
Nigeria's commitment to supporting its allies is evident through the Army's active involvement in peacekeeping missions. Rather than being a mere duty or responsibility, this support can be seen as a crucial function.
Nigeria has long been engaged in anti-colonial efforts, not only within Africa but also beyond its borders. The Nigerian army has contributed to UN and ECOWAS deployments in countries such as Angola, Rwanda, Somalia, and Sierra Leone.
Despite concerns raised in December 1983 by the then Head of State, Major General Muhammadu Buhari about Nigeria's ability to sustain such efforts, the Nigerian army has continued to participate in these missions.
A notable example is Nigeria's deployment of troops to Mali in 2013 as part of the African-led International Support Mission to Mali.
It is important to note that the Nigerian army's role extends beyond peacekeeping missions, as outlined in the 1960 act that established it and subsequent revised versions of the act.
Nigerian Army Ranks
The Nigerian Army follows a hierarchical structure of ranks, which is a common practice in military organizations worldwide. These ranks are divided into two categories: Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers.
Commissioned officers are individuals who either joined the Nigerian Army as graduates or underwent training at the Nigerian Defence Academy to be commissioned into the army. On the other hand, Non-Commissioned officers are those who received training at the Nigerian Army Depot.
Individuals holding an SSCE certificate who join the Nigerian Army are initially assigned the rank of Private. Similarly, those who joined with an NCE or National Diploma are also placed at the rank of Private. However, individuals who joined the army with an HND or BSC degree are assigned the rank of Second Lieutenant or Lieutenant, depending on the commission they joined.
It is important to note that those who joined the Nigerian Army with an HND or BSC degree through the SSC program obtain the rank of Second Lieutenant. Conversely, those who joined through the DSSC program are granted the rank of Lieutenant.
The Nigerian Army has a hierarchical structure for both commissioned and non-commissioned officers. The ranks of commissioned officers, from highest to lowest, are as follows:
1. Field Marshal:
This is the highest rank in the Nigerian Army and has a 5-Star rank. No one has ever attained this rank in the history of Nigeria.
2. General:
The rank of General is indicated by Four-Stars and is the highest rank achieved by a Nigerian. It is recognized as a nine-star rank by NATO.
3. Lieutenant General:
This rank is indicated by Three-Stars and is a high commission officer. It is ranked as eight by NATO.
4. Major General:
Major General is a Two-Star General and is an average commission officer. It is indicated as seven by NATO.
5. Brigadier General:
Brigadier General is a One-Star General and is indicated as six by NATO.
6. Colonel:
This rank is indicated as five by NATO.
7. Lieutenant Colonel:
Lieutenant Colonel is ranked four by NATO and serves as the deputy to a Colonel.
8. Major:
Major is ranked three by NATO and is a lower category of field officer.
9. Captain:
Captain is ranked two star by NATO and is the highest rank in the tactical troops.
10. First Lieutenant:
This rank is the immediate superior to Second Lieutenant and serves as the deputy to a Captain.
11. Second Lieutenant:
Both First Lieutenant and Second Lieutenant are indicated as one by NATO.
The ranks of non-commissioned officers in the Nigerian Army, from highest to lowest, are as follows:
12. Master Warrant Officer
13. Warrant Officer
14. Staff Sergeant
15. Sergeant
16. Corporal
17. Lance Corporal
18. Private Soldier
19. Recruit
Now, let's move on to the salaries received by each rank per month. The disclosed amounts may surprise you...
Nigerian army salary structure
The salary of Nigerian Army personnel is determined by their rank and years of service. Individuals who join the Nigerian Army with an SSCE certificate receive a starting salary of approximately #50,000, while those who join with an NCE or National Diploma also receive a starting salary of about #50,000. For HND and BSC certificate holders in the Nigerian Army, the starting salary is around #120,000.
Here is the complete salary structure for the Nigerian Army:
Commissioned Officers:
- Second Lieutenant: N120,000
- Lieutenant: N180,000
- Captain: N220,000
- Major: N300,000
- Lieutenant Colonel: N350,000
- Colonel: N550,000
- Brigadier General: N750,000
- Major General: N950,000
- Lieutenant General: N1 million
- General: N1.5 million
Non-Commissioned Officers:
- Private: N50,000
- Lance Corporal: N57,000
- Corporal: N60,000
- Sergeant: N70,000
- Staff Sergeant: N80,000
- Warrant Officer: N95,000
- Master Warrant Officer: N120,000
- Army Warrant Officer: N180,000
It is important to note that the Nigerian Army Salary mentioned above is subject to change based on government policies and the state of the economy.
Nigerian Army Allowance
The Nigerian Army personnel are entitled to various benefits, including Training Allowance, additional allowances, healthcare, and pension plans. Here are some of the allowances that military personnel in the Nigerian Army can expect to receive.
1. Training Allowance
2. Special Forces allowance
3. Transport Allowance
4. Operation Allowance
In addition to the aforementioned allowances, individuals who are still undergoing training also receive allowances. For instance, Recruits in training receive approximately N12,000 – N15,000, Short Service Cadets in training receive around N15,000 – N25,000 per month, while regular cadets at the Nigerian Defence Academy receive between N25,000 – N50,000 per month, depending on their year of study.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the structure of the Nigerian Army ranks, salary, and allowances in 2024 provides valuable insight into the organization and compensation of the country's military personnel.
From the highest-ranking officers to the dedicated soldiers serving on the front lines, each role plays a crucial part in ensuring the nation's security and defense. While the specifics of salary and allowances may vary based on individual circumstances and government policies, the commitment and sacrifice demonstrated by members of the Nigerian Army remain unwavering.
As we acknowledge the contributions of these brave men and women, let us also strive to support and honor their service as they continue to uphold peace and protect our nation.
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