-
Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Naf (Air Force) And Nigerian Navy Ranks & Salary 2025: Fg-Approved Guide
Thinking of joining the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) or Nigerian Navy, or just curious about how much officers earn? Whether you're aiming for the sky or mastering the seas, it's important to know the rank structure, salaries, and allowances for 2025.
Thanks to the Federal Government’s implementation of the new minimum wage, personnel across both forces have seen salary adjustments that reflect economic realities. This guide breaks down the full rank hierarchy and what each level earns monthly, based on the most recent updates.
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Ranks & Salary Structure 2025
Commissioned Officers (Air Force)
|
Rank |
Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) |
|
Marshal of the Air Force |
₦3,000,000+ |
|
Air Chief Marshal |
₦2,500,000 |
|
Air Marshal |
₦2,000,000 |
|
Air Vice Marshal |
₦1,700,000 |
|
Air Commodore |
₦1,500,000 |
|
Group Captain |
₦1,300,000 |
|
Wing Commander |
₦1,200,000 |
|
Squadron Leader |
₦1,000,000 |
|
Flight Lieutenant |
₦850,000 |
|
Flying Officer |
₦700,000 |
|
Pilot Officer |
₦600,000 |
Non-Commissioned Officers (Air Force)
|
Rank |
Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) |
|
Air Warrant Officer |
₦300,000 – ₦400,000 |
|
Master Warrant Officer |
₦280,000 |
|
Warrant Officer |
₦250,000 |
|
Flight Sergeant |
₦220,000 |
|
Sergeant |
₦200,000 |
|
Corporal |
₦180,000 |
|
Lance Corporal |
₦150,000 |
|
Aircraftman (ACM) |
₦130,000 |
|
Trainee/Recruit |
₦100,000 |
Nigerian Navy Ranks & Salary Structure 2025
Commissioned Officers (Navy)
|
Rank |
Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) |
|
Admiral of the Fleet |
₦3,000,000+ |
|
Admiral |
₦2,500,000 |
|
Vice Admiral |
₦2,000,000 |
|
Rear Admiral |
₦1,700,000 |
|
Commodore |
₦1,500,000 |
|
Captain |
₦1,300,000 |
|
Commander |
₦1,100,000 |
|
Lieutenant Commander |
₦950,000 |
|
Lieutenant |
₦800,000 |
|
Sub-Lieutenant |
₦700,000 |
|
Midshipman |
₦600,000 |
Non-Commissioned Officers (Navy)
|
Rank |
Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) |
|
Warrant Chief Petty Officer |
₦350,000 |
|
Chief Petty Officer |
₦300,000 |
|
Petty Officer |
₦250,000 |
|
Leading Seaman |
₦200,000 |
|
Able Seaman |
₦180,000 |
|
Ordinary Seaman |
₦150,000 |
|
Trainee/Recruit |
₦100,000 |
Allowances in the Navy & Air Force (2025)
In addition to their basic salary, officers in both the Nigerian Navy and Air Force receive various allowances, which can vary depending on deployment, specialization, and duties:
|
Allowance Type |
Estimated Monthly Range (₦) |
|
Uniform Allowance |
₦10,000 – ₦30,000 |
|
Transport Allowance |
₦15,000 – ₦50,000 |
|
Hazard Allowance |
₦30,000 – ₦100,000 |
|
Housing/Rent Subsidy |
₦50,000 – ₦200,000+ |
|
Technical/Mission Bonus |
₦20,000 – ₦150,000 |
|
Operation Duty Bonus |
Based on operation type |
Note: Officers on foreign missions or peacekeeping assignments often earn in foreign currencies (e.g. USD or EUR), which can significantly boost total earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who earns more between Navy and Air Force in Nigeria?
Both services have similar pay structures, but Air Force technical officers (especially pilots and engineers) often enjoy specialty allowances that give them a slight edge.
Q2: Has the new minimum wage affected military salaries?
Yes, the new ₦77,000 minimum wage has adjusted base pay across all entry-level ranks, especially benefiting recruits and junior personnel.
Q3: What is the starting salary for a Nigerian Navy recruit?
A recruit typically starts with ₦100,000 per month, excluding allowances and training stipends.
Q4: How do promotions work in NAF and Navy?
Promotions are based on a mix of years of service, performance, training, exams, and federal military promotion schedules.
Q5: Are these salaries fixed or variable?
While base salaries are fixed, allowances may vary depending on assignments, special duties, or postings.
Conclusion
Serving in the Nigerian Navy or Air Force is more than just wearing a uniform — it’s a disciplined career that offers structured growth, attractive allowances, and now, with the 2025 minimum wage reforms, improved take-home pay.
From fresh recruits to senior admirals or marshals, the new salary scale provides better motivation, especially in an economy where value for service matters more than ever. Whether you're aiming to fly high or sail strong, this guide gives you a clear view of what you can expect in terms of compensation and career progression.
