Ever wondered what it’s really like to serve in the Nigerian army? You’ve probably heard stories of the harsh conditions, long deployments, and average pay. The truth is, while the job certainly isn’t easy, many find the work rewarding and a chance to serve the nation. But how much is the Nigerian Army salary? You might be surprised to learn the average salary is not what you expect. Let’s take a look at the pay scale for enlisted soldiers and officers to get a sense of what they earn and the opportunities for career growth in the Nigerian army.
History of the Nigerian Army
The Nigerian Army has a long and complex history. The Nigerian Army dates back to 1863 when Lt Glover of the Royal Navy established a local militia known as the “Glover Hausas” out of 18 indigenes from the country’s northern region. Glover utilized the small force as governor of Lagos to launch punitive expeditions in the Lagos hinterland and to protect British commercial routes around Lagos.
The “Glover Hausa” became a regular force with the name “Hausa Constabulary” in 1865. It served the Lagos colonial authority in both police and military roles and was renamed “Lagos Constabulary” subsequently. It was renamed “Lagos Battalion” after joining the West Africa Frontier Force (WAFF) in 1901.
During Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Nigeria from January 28 to February 15, 1956, the Nigerian regiment was renamed the Queens Own Nigerian Regiments (QONR). The WAFF was also regionalized in the same year, and each military unit became independent of the others. As a result, the Nigerian Military Force (NMF) replaced the QONR.
On June 1st, 1958, the British Army Council in London handed over control of the NMF to the Nigerian government. When Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the NMF was renamed the Royal Nigerian Army (RNA). The RNA was renamed the Nigerian Army after Nigeria became a republic. The Army changed its uniform, rank structure, and instruments from RWAFF to new ones the same year.
Over the decades, the army has seen significant changes. After a coup in 1966, the military-ruled Nigeria for 15 years. But in 1999, the country transitioned back to democratic rule. Recently, the army has focused on counterinsurgency efforts against groups like Boko Haram.
The Nigerian Army faces many challenges, like inadequate equipment and allegations of human rights abuses. However, for over 120 years, it has played an integral role in shaping the nation. Serving provides an opportunity to help secure Nigeria’s future. If you’re up for the task, you can build a career keeping the peace in Africa’s most populous country.
Duties and Functions of the Nigerian Army
As a soldier in the Nigerian Army, you’ll have many important duties to carry out. Here are just 10 of the major ones:
- Defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity. Protecting the nation’s borders is a top priority.
- Suppress insurgency and terrorism. Helping defeat threats like Boko Haram is key.
- Participate in peacekeeping missions. Representing Nigeria on the global stage.
- Garrison duties. Manning barracks, controlling access, and ensuring security.
- Parade duties. Marching in formation during special events and celebrations.
- Combat duties. Potentially engaging in armed conflict, should the need arise.
- Disaster relief. Assisting citizens during emergencies like floods, fires or epidemics.
- Protect government institutions. Guarding locations like the State House or National Assembly.
- Escort VIPs. Accompanying and protecting high-ranking government officials.
- Miscellaneous duties. Other tasks like weapons maintenance, physical training, drills, etc.
As you can see, serving in the Nigerian Army is no easy role. But for the right, dedicated individuals, it can be an extremely rewarding career. The job isn’t for everyone, but if you’ve got what it takes, the army may just be the place for you.
Army Ranks in Nigeria
In the Nigerian Army, ranks are categorized into two groups: Non-commissioned officers and Commissioned officers.
Non-commissioned officers
Non-commissioned officers are military men who completed the standard 6-month training in Kaduna.
They include the following:
- Recruit/Trainee
- Private
- Lance Corporal
- Corporal
- Sergeant
- Staff Sergeant
- Warrant officer
- Master warrant officer
Commissioned officers
Commissioned officers are the main officers, and they are highly respected; they are in command of the leadership.
They include the following:
- Second Lieutenant: Entry-level officer role. Lead a platoon.
- Lieutenant: Lead a company of several platoons.
- Captain: Commands a battalion. In charge of several companies.
- Major: Second-in-command of a brigade. Oversees multiple battalions.
- Lieutenant Colonel: Commands a brigade of a few thousand soldiers.
- Colonel: Commands a division. Responsible for brigades.
- Brigadier General: Commands a division. Senior commander.
- Major General: Commands a corps. Oversees multiple divisions.
- Lieutenant General: Commands a field army. Leads corps and divisions.
- The General: it is the second highest rank. Leads the entire Nigerian Army.
- Army Field Marshal/General of the Army – This is the highest rank in the Nigerian Army.
The Nigerian Army follow a hierarchical structure. As you move up, there are increasing levels of leadership, responsibility and compensation. But at every level, the core duty remains the same: to serve and protect the nation.
Different Ranks In the Nigerian Army According To Superiority
The Nigerian Army has a hierarchical chain of command with several ranks for both commissioned and non-commissioned officers.
Commissioned officers include:
- Army Field Marshal/General of the Army (5 Star General and the highest rank In the Nigerian Army)
- The General (4 Star General)
- Lieutenant General (3 Star General)
- Major General (2 Star General)
- Brigadier General (1 Star General)
- Colonel
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Major
- Captain
- First Lieutenant
- Second Lieutenant
Non-commissioned officers include:
- Master Warrant Officer
- Warrant Officer
- Staff Sergeant
- Sergeant
- Corporal
- Lance Corporal
- Private Soldier
- Recruit
The Nigerian Army’s salary and compensation varies based on rank and years of service. In general, pay increases with higher rank and longer service. Allowances such as housing and medical benefits are also provided for soldiers and their families.
Nigerian Army Salary Structure 2023
The Nigerian Army salary structure varies based on rank and years of service. In addition to base pay, soldiers receive benefits like healthcare, housing and life insurance. They are also eligible for promotions, pay raises and retirement pensions after 20-35 years of service.
Salaries for non-commissioned Officers
- Recruit: N10,000 – N12,000
- Master Warrant Officer: N90,000
- Warrant Officer: N80,000
- Staff Sergeant: N68,000
- Sergeant: N63,000
- Corporal: N58,000
- Lance Corporal earns about N54,000-55,000;
- Private Soldier earns about N48,000-49,000.
Salaries of Commissioned Officers
- General: N1.5 million
- Lieutenant General: N1 million
- Major General: N950,000;
- Brigadier General: N750,000
- Colonel – N550,000
- Lieutenant Colonel – N350,000
- Major – N300,000
- Captain – N220,000
- First Lieutenant – N180,000
- Second Lieutenant – N120,000.
While army pay in Nigeria is modest, the job security, benefits and potential for career growth continue to attract many to join the ranks. With hard work and dedication, you can build a lifelong career serving your country.
Allowances and Benefits for Nigerian Army Soldiers
As a soldier in the Nigerian Army, you receive certain allowances and benefits in addition to your base pay. Some of the major allowances include:
- Housing allowance: Provides subsidized housing or a monthly housing allowance for renting accommodations off-base. The amount depends on your rank and family size.
- Medical care: You and your family have access to healthcare through military hospitals and clinics. Prescription drugs and other services are available at low or no cost.
- Pension plan: You can retire after 20-35 years of service, depending on your rank. Retirees receive a monthly pension, medical care, and other benefits.
The army also provides additional benefits like paid leave, life insurance, and recreational facilities. Soldiers may receive extra pay when deployed on peacekeeping missions or combat operations. Educational opportunities like tuition assistance for college courses are available to help soldiers advance their careers.
The allowances and benefits offered provide soldiers and their families with a reasonable standard of living and financial security. A career in the Nigerian Army can be very rewarding, especially for those seeking stability, healthcare, housing, and a path to retirement.
What are the requirements to become a Soldier in Nigeria?
To become a soldier in the Nigerian Army, there are several basic requirements you must meet:
- You must be a Nigerian citizen by birth
- You must have a National Identity card
- You must have a minimum of 5 credits in SSCE, including English and Mathematics.
- Be physically, medically and mentally fit. You will undergo medical tests to determine your fitness.
- You must be at least 18 years of age
- Be at least 1.65m tall for males and 1.56m for females.
- Have a clean criminal record. No history of serious criminal offences.
- You must obtain the Nigerian Army recruitment form, fill it out, meet all application conditions, and submit it.
- You must attend the zonal screening exercise at your state’s designated zonal center.
- Be ready to undergo rigorous training. New recruits go through physical fitness training and combat exercises to prepare them for the role of a soldier.
The Nigerian Army seeks dedicated, disciplined and patriotic citizens to serve and protect the nation. If you meet the basic criteria and are willing to make the necessary sacrifices, you have a good chance of becoming one of Nigeria’s brave soldiers.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the salary breakdown for Nigerian soldiers at different ranks and levels of experience. As you’ve seen, while the pay isn’t extravagant, especially for lower ranks, the benefits and allowances do provide essential support. And, of course, the salary increases over time through promotions to higher ranks. While a career in the armed forces isn’t for everyone, for those seeking stability, benefits, and a chance to serve their country, the Nigerian army can be an attractive option. Who knows, maybe after reading this, the call of duty sounds to you! If so, best of luck with your application and training. And for the rest of us, next time you see a Nigerian soldier, you’ll have a new appreciation for the work they do to serve and protect the nation.