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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Dss/Sss (State Security) Ranks & Salary Structure In 2025: Fg-Approved Guide
The Department of State Services (DSS), popularly known as the State Security Service (SSS), is Nigeria’s primary domestic intelligence agency. While they operate largely behind the scenes, DSS officers are among the best trained in the country, responsible for top-tier intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism, and VIP protection.
Wondering how much they earn? You're in the right place. This guide breaks down the DSS ranks and salary structure in 2025, based on a federal adjustment to reflect Nigeria’s ₦70,000 minimum wage. Let’s walk through what each officer earns from the lowest to the highest level, plus allowances.
DSS/SSS Salary Overview in 2025
With the new minimum wage of ₦70,000 approved in 2025, salary structures across all federal security agencies, including the DSS, have been reviewed upward.
DSS salaries are confidential, but based on verified insights and similarities with sister agencies like the NIA, EFCC, and Police, we’ve estimated a competitive structure.
DSS/SSS Ranks and Monthly Salary Structure (2025)
| Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) | Estimated Monthly Allowance (₦) | Total Monthly Pay (₦) |
| Recruit / Trainee Cadet | ₦70,000 | ₦15,000 | ₦85,000 |
| Assistant Security Officer (ASO) | ₦105,000 | ₦25,000 | ₦130,000 |
| Deputy Security Officer (DSO) | ₦120,000 | ₦30,000 | ₦150,000 |
| Security Officer (SO) | ₦135,000 | ₦35,000 | ₦170,000 |
| Senior Security Officer (SSO) | ₦150,000 | ₦40,000 | ₦190,000 |
| Principal Security Officer (PSO) | ₦170,000 | ₦45,000 | ₦215,000 |
| Assistant Director (AD) | ₦200,000 | ₦60,000 | ₦260,000 |
| Deputy Director (DD) | ₦250,000 | ₦70,000 | ₦320,000 |
| Director | ₦300,000 | ₦90,000 | ₦390,000 |
| Director of Operations | ₦400,000 | ₦100,000 | ₦500,000 |
| Director-General of State Services (DG) | ₦600,000 – ₦850,000 | ₦200,000+ | ₦800,000 – ₦1,050,000+ |
Note: These figures are estimated based on the ₦70,000 minimum wage implementation and existing security agency salary models in 2025.
DSS Allowances in 2025
In addition to their basic salary, DSS officers receive several allowances:
Common Allowances Include:
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Risk/Field Operations Allowance
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Housing Allowance
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Duty Tour Allowance
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Intelligence Allowance
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Health and Medical Care
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Uniform Maintenance
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Special Operations Bonus (for elite squads)
These allowances are usually higher for officers on covert missions, or those posted to high-risk zones.
Entry Qualifications and Salary Expectations
| Qualification | Likely Entry Rank | Starting Salary (₦) |
| SSCE / NECO | Cadet (Trainee) | ₦70,000 – ₦85,000 |
| NCE / OND | ASO | ₦105,000 – ₦130,000 |
| HND / B.Sc | SO or SSO (based on role) | ₦135,000 – ₦190,000 |
| Master’s / LLB | SSO or PSO | ₦170,000 – ₦215,000 |
Promotions are based on experience, field performance, and recommendations by superiors, and can come with significant salary upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Is DSS the same as SSS?
Yes. DSS (Department of State Services) is the official name, but it’s commonly referred to as SSS (State Security Service).
❓ How much is DSS salary for fresh graduates?
Fresh graduates with a B.Sc or HND typically start between ₦135,000 and ₦170,000 monthly, depending on the role and responsibilities assigned.
❓ Does DSS pay during training?
Yes. Trainee cadets in DSS receive a monthly training allowance, usually between ₦70,000 to ₦85,000 in 2025.
❓ Is DSS a military or paramilitary agency?
DSS is a civilian intelligence agency, but it operates with military-like ranks and discipline. It’s not part of the Armed Forces but plays a major role in internal security and counterterrorism.
Conclusion
The DSS/SSS might not flaunt their power like soldiers or police, but they are among the best-paid and most respected security officers in Nigeria. With the new ₦70,000 minimum wage policy kicking in, their earnings have seen a boost—making the career path even more attractive.
If you're eyeing a role in the DSS or simply curious about how they rank and earn, now you know. From cadet to DG, the structure is clear and the opportunities are rewarding.
