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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Fg Executives Salary Scale, Grade Levels & Allowances For Staff In Nigeria (2025): Official Figures
Let’s face it—everyone wants to know how much the top government officials earn. If you’ve ever asked, “How much does a federal director or permanent secretary make in Nigeria?” then this blog is for you.
We’re breaking down the executive salary scale under the Federal Government of Nigeria, using the updated 2025 Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS). These figures cover the senior staff in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs)—from GL 06 all the way to the top GL 17.
Who Are Federal Executive Staff?
In the Nigerian civil service, “executives” typically refers to senior officers in leadership or strategic positions, such as:
- Assistant Directors
- Deputy Directors
- Directors
- Permanent Secretaries
- Special Advisers
- Other top-level officials in MDAs
They operate under the CONPSS salary structure and are usually placed from Grade Level (GL) 06 to GL 17.
Salary Scale for FG Executive Staff (2025)
Below is a table showing the estimated monthly basic salaries for federal executives as per their grade levels:
|
Grade Level |
Step 1 Basic Salary (₦) |
Step 15 Max Salary (₦) |
Typical Roles |
|
GL 06 – 08 |
₦140,000 – ₦220,000 |
₦180,000 – ₦300,000 |
Asst. Executive Officers, Analysts |
|
GL 09 – 12 |
₦260,000 – ₦400,000 |
₦350,000 – ₦600,000 |
Assistant Directors |
|
GL 13 – 14 |
₦400,000 – ₦500,000 |
₦500,000 – ₦700,000 |
Deputy Directors |
|
GL 15 – 17 |
₦600,000 – ₦800,000+ |
₦800,000 – ₦1.2 million+ |
Directors, Permanent Secretaries |
Each year, staff typically get a “step” increment within their current grade, meaning a gradual salary increase even without a promotion.
Monthly & Non-Monthly Allowances for FG Executives
On top of their base salary, federal executives are entitled to several allowances which can significantly increase their take-home pay.
Monthly Allowances
- Transport Allowance
- Utility Allowance
- Meal Subsidy
- Housing or Rent Allowance
- Domestic Staff Allowance (for senior officials)
- Personal Assistant/Secretary Allowance
Non-Monthly Benefits
- Leave Bonus (Paid Once a Year)
- Duty Tour Allowance
- Estacode (Foreign Travel Allowance)
- Furniture Allowance (for certain positions)
- Gratuity or Retirement Benefits
- Training Support Allowance
These benefits vary depending on your grade level and official designation. The higher your position, the fatter your allowance.
Sample Pay Breakdown: GL 12 Officer
Let’s take a typical officer on Grade Level 12, Step 1 as an example:
|
Salary Component |
Estimated Value (₦) |
|
Basic Salary |
₦260,000 |
|
Transport Allowance |
₦50,000 |
|
Utility Allowance |
₦30,000 |
|
Meal Subsidy |
₦20,000 |
|
Housing Allowance |
₦80,000 |
|
Total Monthly Pay |
₦440,000 |
So, even though the “official” salary is ₦260,000, the actual take-home is far more with allowances added.
Career Growth: How Executives Move Up the Ladder
Here’s how growth works in the federal system:
- Step Increments: Every year, employees move one step higher within their grade level, resulting in a higher salary.
- Promotions: Staff are promoted to higher grade levels based on performance, vacancies, and years of service.
- Transfer of Service: Executives may transfer to other agencies or parastatals with upgraded salary packages or perks.
Summary Table: Total Take-Home Estimates for Executives (2025)
|
Grade Level |
Basic Salary (₦) |
With Allowances (₦) |
|
GL 06 – 08 |
₦140k – ₦300k |
₦200k – ₦400k |
|
GL 09 – 12 |
₦260k – ₦600k |
₦350k – ₦800k |
|
GL 13 – 14 |
₦400k – ₦700k |
₦600k – ₦1 million |
|
GL 15 – 17 |
₦600k – ₦1.2 million |
₦950k – ₦2.2 million+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the highest salary for an FG executive?
Permanent Secretaries on GL 17 can earn over ₦2 million monthly when allowances are included.
Q2: Are these salaries taxed?
Yes. Basic salary is taxed, but some allowances are tax-exempt or partially taxed.
Q3: Who determines the salary structure?
The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) oversees federal pay structures like CONPSS.
Q4: Can I jump levels faster than once per year?
Only through promotion exams or exceptional performance reviews.
Q5: Is housing provided or paid as allowance?
Mostly paid as a housing/rent allowance, unless you're in a government-owned residence.
Final Thoughts
The Federal Executive salary structure under CONPSS is one of the most structured and reliable income systems in Nigeria’s public service.
If you're aiming to join the civil service or move up the ladder, here's what you should know:
- Salaries range from ₦140,000 to ₦1.2 million depending on your grade level
- Allowances can double your take-home pay
- Promotions and yearly increments make it a steady career path
- Roles like Permanent Secretary or Director come with significant prestige and benefits
Whether you're already in the system or considering a federal career, the executive pay structure in 2025 provides a stable and rewarding path.
