The Nigerian Navy is a key element of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Its job is to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders, safeguard essential sea routes, prevent crimes on water, and assist national security goals. Like the Army and Air Force, the Navy has a well-defined structure made up of ranks. Every rank comes with related pay and a set of responsibilities. Nigerian Navy ranks, pay, what navy officials do, and how one could join this military are in this writing. Hence, anyone looking for new opportunities in the Nigerian Navy, from an adult seeking a new route to a student weighing job options can follow us in this piece to learn more. However, navy salaries may vary depending on years of service, location, and operations. Officers also receive an allowance for housing, uniforms, hazard pay, and transport.
List of Nigerian Navy Ranks and Salary
The Nigerian Navy ranks are categorised into two levels:
- Commissioned Officers: This category is senior officers who lead commands, make decisions, and handle operations.
- Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) – These are enlisted personnel who carry out duties under their superiors’ guidance.
Here are the latest salary figures by rank:
Commissioned Officers
| No | Nigerian Navy Rank | Salaries |
| 1 | Admiral of the Fleet | NA |
| 2 | Admiral | ₦1,358,595 |
| 3 | Vice Admiral | ₦1,113,602 |
| 4 | Rear Admiral | ₦1,003,245 |
| 5 | Commodore | ₦615,488 |
| 6 | Captain | ₦309,654 |
| 7 | Commander | ₦281,673 |
| 8 | Lieutenant Commander | ₦230,652 |
| 9 | Lieutenant | ₦195,685 |
| 10 | Sub-Lieutenant | ₦150,625 |
| 11 | Acting Sub-Lieutenant | ₦130,852 |
| 12 | Midshipman | ₦118,835 |
Non-Commissioned Officers
| No | Nigerian Navy Rank | Salaries |
| 1 | Warrant Chief Petty Officer | ₦120,853 |
| 2 | Chief Petty Officer | ₦90,825 |
| 3 | Petty Officer | ₦80,852 |
| 4 | Leading Seaman | ₦70,855 |
| 5 | Able Seaman | ₦50,855 |
| 6 | Ordinary Seaman | ₦45,854 |
| 7 | Trainee | ₦0.00 |
Duties of a Nigerian Navy Officer
The Nigerian Navy is in charge of defending Nigeria’s territorial waters. Officers are given different duties depending on rank, unit, and action. These are some of the most important ones:
- Maritime Patrol: Protect waters from pirates, illegal fishing boats, and smugglers.
- Oil Asset Security: Guard offshore oil platforms and pipelines in the Niger Delta.
- Peacekeeping: Participate in international operations under the UN or ECOWAS.
- Search and Rescue: Assist in saving lives when boats capsize or during flooding disasters.
- Naval Diplomacy: Represent Nigeria in joint exercises with navies from other countries.
Officials in the Nigerian Navy should also encourage reaching out to the community. Some naval medical teams may provide free medical care in coastal towns. The Navy also helps protect places prone to oil bunkering and ensures that business ships are safe at sea. Every officer, from the lowest rank to the top Admiral, has to be skilled, disciplined, and devoted.
How to Join the Nigerian Navy
Joining the Nigerian Navy is open to all Nigerian citizens who meet the basic physical, academic, and moral requirements. Several entry routes depend on your age and qualifications.
1. Nigerian Navy Recruitment (General Enlistment)
- Age: 18–22 years
- Education: 5 credits in SSCE, WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB (including English and Mathematics)
- Physical Requirement: Must be fit and healthy
- Other: Must not have a criminal record.
This path is for general duties and technical trades. Successful applicants undergo training at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS).
2. Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)
- Age: 17–21 years
- Education: Strong SSCE grades and performance in the NDA entrance exam
- Training: 5 years (military + academic studies)
- Degree Awarded: Bachelor’s degree and commission as Sub-Lieutenant
This is the most prestigious path, ideal for those seeking a long-term naval career.
3. Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC)
- Age: 23–28 years
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or HND (Lower Credit or 2nd Class Lower minimum)
- Professions Required: Medicine, Law, Engineering, ICT, Education, etc.
- Training: 6–9 months of officer cadet training
DSSC is an option for professionals who want to serve for a limited term with a possible extension.
Application Process
Applications are submitted online. Candidates are shortlisted for physical screening, aptitude tests, and interviews. The process is competitive but transparent. Recruitment is free, and applicants are warned against fraudsters.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When Was the Nigerian Navy Established?
After being split into several parts, the Nigerian Marine became the Nigerian Navy on May 1, 1958. It used to be called the Royal Nigerian Navy, but when Nigeria became a country in 1963, it changed its name. Since then, it has grown into one of the largest and most respected ships in West Africa.
- What Is the Highest Rank in the Nigerian Navy?
The Admiral of the Fleet is the highest ceremonial rank but has never been awarded in modern Nigeria. The highest active duty rank is Admiral, typically held by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). This officer oversees all naval activities, policies, and personnel.
Conclusion
To protect national security, the Nigerian Navy is strategically and vitally important because it guards Nigeria’s vast marine borders. The Navy protects against many threats by patrolling national waterways, watching over offshore oil platforms, fighting piracy, and helping to keep the peace in its geography. To better understand how the Nigerian Navy works and what each level of service means, it’s helpful to know how it is organized, including the ranks, duties, and pay rate. It also helps people who want to work in this respected area get ready for their future careers. People who want to join now are driven by excitement and service. You can build a meaningful job in the Navy no matter how you apply: through the general recruiting campaign, the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA), or the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC). You will learn important things and have a stable job. You will also be proud to wear the uniform. Most importantly, you will do a lot to help Nigeria stay strong and safe at sea. You have a choice to make at the beginning of the road.
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