The Nigerian Army unit is responsible for guarding and keeping the world’s most populous African country safe. From protecting the national border to keeping the peace, army men and women work within a system of ranks that sets out their duties, power, and pay. If you know about the ranks and pay system in the Nigerian Army, you can better understand the organization, order, and money that support the country’s military power. It is relevant to know that there are two levels of rank in the Nigerian Army: Commissioned Officers (COs) and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs). Each rank has clear responsibilities and a regular pay that goes with it. A higher rank pays more and gives you more command, responsibility, and decision-making power. In this article, you will see the complete list of Nigerian army ranks and salaries, duties, requirements for how to join the Nigerian Army, the various divisions in the Nigerian military and other relevant information. Let’s get started.
The List of Nigerian Army Ranks & Salary
As stated earlier, we have commissioned and non-commissioned officers within the Nigerian military. Commissioned officers are those who passed through the National Defence Academy (NDA), direct Short Service Commissioned (DSSC) or Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC). On the other hand, the non-commissioned officers join as regular soldiers via the Nigerian Army recruitment. So below is a combined list of the ranks and how much they earn monthly.
| S/N | Rank | Category | Monthly Salary (₦) |
| 1 | General | Commissioned Officer | 1,500,000 |
| 2 | Lieutenant General | Commissioned Officer | 1,000,000 |
| 3 | Major General | Commissioned Officer | 950,000 |
| 4 | Brigadier General | Commissioned Officer | 750,000 |
| 5 | Colonel | Commissioned Officer | 550,000 |
| 6 | Lieutenant Colonel | Commissioned Officer | 350,000 |
| 7 | Major | Commissioned Officer | 300,000 |
| 8 | Captain | Commissioned Officer | 220,000 |
| 9 | Lieutenant | Commissioned Officer | 180,000 |
| 10 | Second Lieutenant | Commissioned Officer | 120,000 |
| 11 | Army Warrant Officer | Non-Commissioned Officer | 180,000 |
| 12 | Master Warrant Officer | Non-Commissioned Officer | 120,000 |
| 13 | Warrant Officer | Non-Commissioned Officer | 95,000 |
| 14 | Staff Sergeant | Non-Commissioned Officer | 80,000 |
| 15 | Sergeant | Non-Commissioned Officer | 70,000 |
| 16 | Corporal | Non-Commissioned Officer | 60,000 |
| 17 | Lance Corporal | Non-Commissioned Officer | 57,000 |
| 18 | Private Soldier | Non-Commissioned Officer | 50,000 |
Depending on deployment and assignment, a Nigerian soldier could also get ration allowance, operation allowance, hazard pay, transport stipend, special duty bonuses, and base pay.
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Duties of a Nigerian Army Officer
Being in the Nigerian Army is more than just wearing a uniform. It means promising to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty, keep her territory whole, and support civilian officials when they ask for it. The main things that army soldiers have to do are:
- The Nigerian soldiers defend national borders against both external aggression and internal insurrection.
- A Nigerian army can participate in peacekeeping missions under ECOWAS, AU, and United Nations (UN) mandates.
- Assisting civil authorities during national emergencies, elections, or in response to disasters.
- Providing security for vital infrastructure such as oil installations, borders, and transportation hubs.
- Combatting terrorism and banditry, especially in the North-East and other conflict zones.
In addition to their normal duties, army members could participate in programs that helped build the country, help people after disasters, and provide medical care to the community. For example, soldiers have helped rebuild towns destroyed by floods and insurgencies.
Duty, honour, and loyalty to the country are held by all soldiers, irrespective of rank. There is a strict chain of command, and the success of operations relies on everyone at every level. The army stays up to date on new security issues in Nigeria and around the world by training all the time.
How To Join The Nigerian Army
To join the Nigerian Army means meeting specific legal, physical, and educational standards. The degree of education and the kind of service sought determine the several routes of recruitment.
1. Regular Recruit Intake (RRI)
This path is ideal for secondary school leavers or artisans who want to join the military as non-commissioned officers. Key requirements include:
- A minimum of five credits in SSCE, WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, achieved in not more than two sittings.
- Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth, aged between 18 and 22 years.
- Good physical condition, no history of criminal records and mental fitness are mandatory.
- Height requirements: minimum of 1.68 meters for males and 1.62 meters for females.
Applicants undergo physical screening, medical tests, and aptitude tests before being shortlisted.
2. Join via Nigerian Defense Academy, Short Service Commission (SSC) & Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC)
These methods are for those aiming to become commissioned officers in the Nigerian army system. If you want to enter via NDA, you must possess your senior school leaving certificate and then apply for the entrance examination by purchasing the form that comes out every year. You write the exams. If you are shortlisted, you will go for another screening, which involves training as a further test to enter NDA. Nevertheless, graduates and professionals who want to join the Army in Nigeria can do so via direct or short service commissions. Those who have the upper hand of being admitted are graduates of the following backgrounds:
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Law
- Accounting
- Education
- Information Technology
Applicants should be between 23 and 30 years old and have at least a Second Class Lower degree or HND Lower Credit. Candidates who pass successful selection will undergo intense training and are commissioned into officer ranks.
FAQs
- When Was the Nigerian Army Established?
Although the Nigerian Army was formally established in 1960, its origins lie in 1863 with the founding of the “Glover Hausas,” a native army established by British colonial agents. This changed with time to become the Nigerian Regiment, then the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF) before independence. The Nigerian Army expanded to rank among the biggest land forces in Africa starting in 1960.
- Can a Foreigner Join the Nigerian Army?
No. The army institution only Nigerians by birth join in. This rigorous approach guarantees national allegiance and alignment with the defence of the country’s objective. Though they have lived in Nigeria for many years, dual nationals or foreigners are not qualified.
- Can a Nigerian Join the U.S. Army?
Yes, given some specific circumstances. If a Nigerian national carries a current U.S. Green Card, they are qualified to join the United States Army. Along with passing background checks, medical tests, and the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) examination, enlistees have to. Some positions, particularly those involving security clearance, might be reserved for U.S. nationals only.
- What is the Highest Rank in the Nigerian Army?
The highest military rank in the Nigerian Army is Field Marshal. Still, this is mostly ceremonial and never given any accolades. Currently occupied by the Chief of Army Staff, the top commander in charge of all army activities and policy execution, the General is the highest active rank.
How Many Divisions Are in the Nigerian Army?
The Nigerian Army operates eight strategic divisions:
- 1st Division – Kaduna (North-West)
- 2nd Division – Ibadan (South-West)
- 3rd Armoured Division – Jos (North-Central)
- 6th Division – Port Harcourt (South-South)
- 7th Division – Maiduguri (North-East, counter-terrorism focus)
- 8th Division – Sokoto (North-West security operations)
- 81st Division – Lagos (Amphibious operations)
- 82nd Division – Enugu (South-East)
Each division oversees several brigades and battalions focused on specific operational mandates across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Conclusion
Not only a fighting force, the Nigerian Army is a national institution steeped in history, duty, and discipline. Understanding the ranks and pay system of the Nigerian Army shows not only the internal hierarchy but also how much the country values security and service.
This guide briefly overviews how the Nigerian Army works, covering everyone from recruits to commanding generals. The controlled training ensures operational excellence, and the pay rates reflect both risk and responsibility. Joining the Nigerian Army is about commitment to national peace, sticking with it even when things get tough, and leaving a legacy of service, not just about money. Nigeria’s army is still a strong force, working to keep the country safe.
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