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Ikiodiete George
- 1 Min Read
Lowest Paid Military & Para-Military Agencies In Nigeria (Top 10 In 2025)
While the military and para-military sectors in Nigeria offer honor, structure, and service to the nation, not all of them come with attractive pay packages—especially at the entry level. Whether you’re applying as a fresh recruit, cadet, or assistant, it's important to know where salaries are lowest so you can plan your career path wisely.
Here’s a 2025 breakdown of the lowest-paying military and para-military organizations in Nigeria, ranked from lowest to highest based on entry-level base salaries—excluding bonuses and allowances.
Top 10 Lowest Paid Military & Para-Military Agencies in Nigeria (2025)
|
Rank |
Agency / Entry Position |
Monthly Basic Salary (₦) |
|
1️⃣ |
FRSC – Driver / Officer II |
₦37,000 – ₦41,000 |
|
2️⃣ |
Civil Defence – Cadet Assistant |
₦28,000 – ₦35,000 |
|
3️⃣ |
Nigerian Army – Private |
₦49,000 |
|
4️⃣ |
Nigerian Army – Lance Corporal |
₦55,000 |
|
5️⃣ |
Nigerian Army – Corporal |
₦58,000 |
|
6️⃣ |
Nigerian Army – Sergeant |
₦63,000 |
|
7️⃣ |
Nigerian Air Force – Recruit |
₦70,000 |
|
8️⃣ |
Nigerian Air Force – Aircraftman |
₦85,000 |
|
9️⃣ |
Nigeria Immigration Service – Assistant |
₦85,000 – ₦120,000 |
|
🔟 |
Nigerian Navy – Midshipman (Entry) |
₦95,000 – ₦200,000 |
Insights & Observations
- Cadet assistants and drivers in FRSC and Civil Defence earn the least, often below ₦40K per month.
- Army recruits (Privates) start with basic pay around ₦49K, with small increases for Corporals and Sergeants.
- Air Force and Navy pay slightly better at the start but still modest compared to specialized or elite forces.
- Most of these positions come with extra allowances (housing, transport, risk), which can significantly boost monthly income—but those are usually performance or posting-based.
Final Thoughts
While serving your country in the military or para-military is noble, it’s also crucial to consider financial sustainability. If you're entering for the pay, be aware that starting out may require financial patience, especially in the roles listed above.
Want a follow-up blog that compares total earnings (salary + allowances) or shows the fastest promotion paths to higher income? Just say “Show me earnings growth” and I’ll generate it!
