The Nigerian Army is the largest component of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is responsible for land warfare operations and plays a crucial role in the nation’s defense, peacekeeping missions, and internal security. It was established in 1960 following Nigeria’s independence and is structured into various units and divisions which are tasked with specific roles and responsibilities to ensure the country’s sovereignty and stability.
Knowing about the ranks and how much soldiers get paid in the Nigerian Army is important. If you want to join the army, it helps to understand what each rank means and how much you might earn. This article will explain all about the Nigerian Army, including its ranks, how much soldiers get paid, and more.
This article will provide detailed information on the Nigerian Army, its ranks, salary structure, and others.
Nigerian Army Ranks
The ranks within the Nigerian Army are split into commissioned and non-commissioned officers. The salaries for officers are based on their ranks. The highest rank within the Nigerian Army is Field Marshal and the lowest rank is Private which is an entry level rank. See the list of ranks within the Nigeria Army below:-
Commissioned Officers
- Field Marshal: The highest rank in the Nigerian Army, rarely awarded and typically held by the Chief of Defense Staff.
- General: This is a senior rank responsible for major operational commands.
- Lieutenant General: Manages large military operations and serves as the Chief of Army Staff.
- Major General: Commands divisions and plays crucial roles in strategic planning.
- Brigadier General: Oversees brigades and smaller operational units.
- Colonel: Leads regiments or battalions, responsible for tactical operations.
- Lieutenant Colonel: Commands battalions and serves as second-in-command to a colonel.
- Major: Manages companies and serves in various staff roles.
- Captain: Leads company-sized units and carry out various operational duties.
- Lieutenant: Commands platoons and acts as junior officers in larger units.
- Second Lieutenant: This is an entry-level rank for newly commissioned officers, leading smaller units or serving as deputies.
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)
- Warrant Officer Class I: Senior NCO rank responsible for training and discipline.
- Warrant Officer Class II: Assists in unit management and maintains discipline.
- Staff Sergeant: Supervises platoon operations and junior NCOs.
- Sergeant: Leads squads and handles administrative duties.
- Corporal: Commands smaller teams within a squad and aids sergeants.
- Lance Corporal: Junior NCO rank assisting corporals and sergeants.
- Private: Entry-level rank for enlisted personnel, focusing on basic duties and training.
Nigerian Army Salary Structure
Before we go into the salary structure proper, you need to understand that these ranks command different salaries and one’s entry into any rank listed below is either by qualification or years of service. For example, if you hold a degree from an accredited university, you qualify for the Second Lieutenant salary, which is the entry-level position for graduates. That being said, let us look at the salaries of Nigeria Army officers:-
Commissioned Officers
Commissioned Officers in the Nigerian Army are soldiers who hold a rank that is given to them by the government. They have authority over non-commissioned officers and enlisted soldiers. Commissioned officers are responsible for leading troops, making decisions, and ensuring missions are accomplished. They receive their authority from a commission, typically after completing officer training programs. Below is a description of their salaries:-
| Rank | Monthly Salary (Naira) |
|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant | N120,000 |
| Lieutenant | N180,000 |
| Captain | N220,000 |
| Major | N300,000 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | N550,000 |
| Brigadier General | N750,000 |
| Major General | N950,000 |
| Lieutenant General | N1,000,000 |
| General | N1,500,000 |
Non-Commissioned Officers
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) in the Nigerian Army are enlisted soldiers who have been given leadership responsibilities by officers. They are important for leading and making sure the military works well. NCOs have jobs like keeping order, training, and overseeing other soldiers. They help the army to run smoothly by managing the troops they are in charge of. Below are their salaries:-
| Ranks | Salary |
| Corporal | N58,000 |
| Sergeant | N63,000 |
| Staff Sergeant | N68,000 |
| Warrant Officer | N80,000 |
| Master Warrant Officer | N90,000 |
The salaries listed above are subject to review at the discretion of the federal government. Note that officers do not remain in one rank till the end of their service, they are entitled to promotions that move them up the ranks. We hope that the information we provided on the Nigerian army ranks and salary structure was clear. If there are questions you want to ask regarding this topic, we are more than happy to answer them in the comments.