The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is a paramilitary organization in Nigeria responsible for drug policy and control. Its primary mandate is to fight against the illicit production, importation, exportation, sale, and trafficking of psychoactive substances or drugs that are not approved by NAFDAC.
Many individuals interested in joining this agency often inquire about the NDLEA salary and ranks. In this article, we will discuss the various ranks and salary structure of NDLEA, as well as the allowances and additional benefits provided.
Brief history of the NDLEA
The establishment of the NDLEA in 1989 was a direct response to the increasing demand for and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, which had a negative impact on Nigeria's international reputation. Since then, the illicit drug trade has evolved into a well-organized criminal activity that poses a threat to the country's security and development.
As the federal law enforcement agency responsible for drug policy and control, the NDLEA is tasked with curtailing the production, importation, exportation, sale, and trafficking of psychoactive substances. Its dedicated team of highly trained operatives and support staff work tirelessly across Nigeria, maintaining a strong presence at key points of entry and major transportation routes.
In addition to intercepting and destroying illicit drugs, the NDLEA
also focuses on prevention through advocacy, counseling, and rehabilitation
programs for drug users. By actively tracking, apprehending, and prosecuting
traffickers, the NDLEA is committed to safeguarding society from the dangers
posed by illicit substances and those involved in their distribution.
Roles of NDLEA in Nigeria
1) The implementation and proper execution of the provisions
stated in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act.
2) The coordination of all drug laws and enforcement
responsibilities assigned to any individual or authority, including Ministers
in the Government of the Federation, by any such law.
3) Implementation of measures to identify, track, freeze,
confiscate, or seize proceeds obtained from drug-related offenses or assets
whose value corresponds to such proceeds.
4) Implementation of measures to eradicate the illegal cultivation
of narcotic plants and to eliminate the unlawful demand for narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances, aiming to reduce human suffering and eliminate
financial incentives for the illicit trafficking of such substances.
5) Taking necessary actions that may involve reasonable
precautions to prevent the use of regular means of transportation for the
illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, including making special arrangements
with transport owners.
6) Implementation of measures that encompass coordinated
preventive and repressive actions.
7) Introduction and maintenance of investigative and control
techniques.
8) Implementation of measures to enhance the effectiveness of
eradication efforts.
9) Facilitating the rapid exchange of scientific and technical information
and conducting research focused on eradicating the illicit use of narcotic
drugs and psychotropic substances.
10) Taking actions for the prompt destruction or disposal of
seized, confiscated, or forfeited narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
11) Promoting and strengthening the presence or availability of
individuals, including those in custody, who consent to assist in
investigations or participate in proceedings related to narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances.
12) Improving the efficiency of law enforcement to suppress the
illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
13) Enhancing communication channels to facilitate swift
information exchange among offices and bolstering international collaboration
to combat illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances via
land, sea, and air.
14) Augmenting the provisions outlined in the 1961 Convention on
Narcotic Drugs, as amended by the 1972 Protocol, the 1971 Convention on
Psychotropic Substances, and the United Nations Convention Against Illicit
Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and its severe
repercussions.
15) Implementing measures aimed at addressing the root causes of
narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances issues to ensure their elimination
and prevention.
16) Strengthening legal frameworks for international cooperation
in criminal matters to effectively suppress the global activities related to
illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
NDLEA ranks
The ranking system of NDLEA follows a similar structure to that of
other paramilitary agencies, where ranks are determined by qualifications. The
higher the qualification, the higher the rank one can attain.
For instance, individuals who join NDLEA with an SSCE certificate
are designated as Private of Narcotics. Those who join with a National Diploma
or NCE are given the rank of Lance Corporal of Narcotics. Graduates in NDLEA
who possess an HND or BSC are granted the rank of Assistant Superintendent of
Narcotic II.
The complete list of ranks in NDLEA includes both commissioned and
non-commissioned officers.
NDLEA Commissioned Officers Ranks:
1. Commander General of Narcotic
2. Deputy Commander General of Narcotic
3. Commander of Narcotic
4. Deputy Commander of Narcotic
5. Chief Superintendent of Narcotic
6. Superintendent of Narcotic
7. Assistant Superintendent of Narcotic
8. Assistant Superintendent of Narcotic II.
NDLEA Non Commissioned Officers Ranks:
1. Inspector of Narcotics.
2. Assistant Inspector of Narcotics.
3. Senior Corporal of Narcotics.
4. Corporal of Narcotics.
5. Lance Corporal of Narcotics.
6. Private of Narcotics.
These are all the positions in the National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency (NDLEA). Now, let's find out how much NDLEA officers are paid.
NDLEA Salary Structure
The NDLEA salary is structured based on ranks. The higher your rank, the higher your salary. Graduates who join the agency earn more than those with an SSCE certificate. SSCE certificate holders in the NDLEA earn around N46,320 to N47,565 monthly.
Those with National Diploma or NCE earn approximately N47,067 to N48,654 monthly. Graduates with HND and BSc degrees earn about N110,743 to N130,293 monthly. Please note that NDLEA officers' salaries may increase due to changes in Nigeria's economy.
Additionally, NDLEA
salary is classified according to grades, which correspond to ranks. Below is
the complete salary structure for NDLEA officers.
S/N |
Ranks |
Monthly Salary |
Annual Salary |
1 |
Grade 1 |
46,321 to 47,561 |
410,667 to 451,057 |
2 |
Grade 2 |
47,061 to 48,651 |
564,804 to 583,848 |
3 |
Grade 3 |
48,851 to 49,551 |
586,248 to 664,236 |
4 |
Grade 4 |
51,641 to 55,351 |
619,740 to 664,234 |
5 |
Grade 5 |
54,741 to 59,751 |
656,952 to 717,072 |
6 |
Grade 6 |
90,451 to 98,331 |
1085,472 to 1180,032 |
7 |
Grade 7 |
110,741 to 130, 291 |
1,328,916 to 1563,516 |
8 |
Grade 8 |
143,021 to 151,081 |
1,716,276 to 1,813,044. |
9 |
Grade 9 |
151,731 to 179,051 |
1820,868 to 2,148,600 |
10 |
Grade 10 |
205,671 to 223,451 |
2,468,076 to 2,681,400 . |
11 |
Grade 11 |
220,381 to 256,741 |
2,644,608 to 3,080,988 |
12 |
Grade 12 |
236,571 to 268,901 |
2,838,936 to 3,226,096 |
13 |
Grade 13 |
307,821 to 378,001 |
3,693,912, to 4536,096 |
14 |
Grade 14 |
379,231 to 392,001 |
4,550,856, to 4704,096 |
15 |
Grade 15 |
425,901 to 501,651 |
5,110,872 to 6019,884 |
The illustration provided displays the current salary structure for NDLEA officers. As mentioned earlier, these officers are also entitled to various allowances and benefits, which are detailed below:
NDLEA Allowances and Perks:
1. Traveling Allowance
2. Medical Allowance
3. Housing Allowance
4. Pension Plan
5. Dental Benefits
6. Life Insurance
7. Stock Options
8. Meal Vouchers
9. Time Off on Public Holidays
10. Paid Sick Leave
11. Maternity Leave for Females
12. Mobile Phone Performance-based Bonus
13. Annual 13-Month Bonuses
14. Health Insurance
Upon reviewing the aforementioned benefits, it becomes
evident why individuals are drawn to becoming members of this paramilitary
organization in Nigeria. Additionally, there is a training allowance
specifically designated for individuals undergoing NDLEA training.
Conclusion
Any thoughts on NDLEA rank, salary and allowances? Let us know in
the comment section below.