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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Fg‑Approved Salary Scale For Civil Servants In Nigeria (2025)
In 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria uses a standardized, FG‑approved salary scale to ensure fair and transparent pay for civil servants across all ministries, departments, and agencies. This system covers both direct-entry and highly skilled professionals, offering predictable income and structured benefits.
How the Federal Salary Structure Works
The system consists of Grade Levels (GL1–GL17) and Steps. Each civil servant is assigned a grade based on their qualifications, job responsibility, and experience, while progression within the grade is represented by steps—usually taken annually or at promotion.
2025 Salary Scale by Grade Level (Updated for Current Standards)
| Grade Level (GL) | Monthly Basic Pay (₦) | Annual Basic Pay (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| GL 01 | ₦85,000 – ₦95,000 | ₦1,020,000 – ₦1,140,000 |
| GL 02 | ₦100,000 – ₦110,000 | ₦1,200,000 – ₦1,320,000 |
| GL 03 | ₦115,000 – ₦125,000 | ₦1,380,000 – ₦1,500,000 |
| GL 04 | ₦130,000 – ₦140,000 | ₦1,560,000 – ₦1,680,000 |
| GL 05 | ₦150,000 – ₦160,000 | ₦1,800,000 – ₦1,920,000 |
| GL 06 | ₦170,000 – ₦185,000 | ₦2,040,000 – ₦2,220,000 |
| GL 07 | ₦200,000 – ₦220,000 | ₦2,400,000 – ₦2,640,000 |
| GL 08 | ₦235,000 – ₦255,000 | ₦2,820,000 – ₦3,060,000 |
| GL 09 | ₦270,000 – ₦295,000 | ₦3,240,000 – ₦3,540,000 |
| GL 10 | ₦315,000 – ₦345,000 | ₦3,780,000 – ₦4,140,000 |
| GL 11 | ₦370,000 – ₦400,000 | ₦4,440,000 – ₦4,800,000 |
| GL 12 | ₦430,000 – ₦460,000 | ₦5,160,000 – ₦5,520,000 |
| GL 13 | ₦490,000 – ₦530,000 | ₦5,880,000 – ₦6,360,000 |
| GL 14 | ₦560,000 – ₦600,000 | ₦6,720,000 – ₦7,200,000 |
| GL 15 | ₦650,000 – ₦700,000 | ₦7,800,000 – ₦8,400,000 |
| GL 16 | ₦760,000 – ₦800,000 | ₦9,120,000 – ₦9,600,000 |
| GL 17 | ₦900,000 – ₦1,000,000 | ₦10,800,000 – ₦12,000,000 |
(Figures may vary slightly by ministry or department.)
Entry Qualifications & Correspondence
| Qualification | Entry Grade Level | Typical Roles |
|---|---|---|
| First School Leaving Cert | GL 01 – GL 02 | Office Helper, Messenger |
| SSCE / WAEC / NECO | GL 03 – GL 04 | Clerical Officer, Typist |
| OND / NCE | GL 06 | Admin Assistant, Technical Employee |
| HND | GL 07 | Assistant Officer, Records Supervisor |
| B.Sc. / B.A. / B.Ed. | GL 08 | Admin Officer I, Education Officer |
| PGD / Master’s | GL 09 – GL 10 | Senior Officer, Project Coordinator |
| Professional Degrees | GL 11 – GL 12 | Engineers, Accountants |
| Senior Roles | GL 13 – GL 15 | Directors, Department Heads |
| Top Management | GL 16 – GL 17 | DGs, PSs, Federal Permanent Secretaries |
Benefits & Allowances
Civil servants enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:
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Housing/Rent Allowance
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Transport Allowance
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Leave Bonus
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13th-Month Salary Bonus
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Pension Contributions
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Medical/Health Insurance (NHIS)
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Call-Duty & Overtime Allowances
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Risk/Hazard Allowance (for certain roles)
These allowances can boost take-home pay by 30–70%, depending on job grade and duty station.
Promotion Path & Pay Growth
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Employees advance in steps annually (subject to performance and vacancy).
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Major promotions (to a higher grade) typically occur every 3–5 years.
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Over a 30-year career, it’s possible to move from GL 03 to GL 15 or higher, with pay increasing significantly at each stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where do university graduates begin?
Graduates typically start on GL 08, depending on role.
Q2: How long is the promotion cycle?
Grade promotions generally require 3–5 years of service, performance review, and relevant training.
Q3: Are rural postings better paid?
Yes—some allowances are specifically higher for rural or hardship-area assignments.
Q4: Do all ministries pay the same?
Base pay is uniform, but allowances vary depending on duty type and department.
Q5: Are benefits guaranteed?
As long as payroll contributions are active, all listed benefits are provided to civil servants.
Conclusion
The 2025 FG‑approved civil service salary structure ensures stable, predictable, and fair compensation for Nigerian public servants—from entry-level clerks to top-tier federal directors. With structured progression, generous allowances, and long-term benefits, it’s a solid foundation for a rewarding government career.
