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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Nda And Polac Salary + Allowance Structure In 2025: Fg-Approved Guide
So you're thinking about enrolling in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) or the Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC)? Or maybe you're just curious about what the cadets and officers at these elite institutions take home each month. Well, you’re in the right place!
Both NDA and POLAC are federally owned military and paramilitary training academies, and in 2025, their salary and allowance structures have been updated to reflect the new ₦77,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Let’s break it all down — the cadet stipends, allowances, and what full-time officers earn after graduation.
Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Salary Structure 2025
The NDA is Nigeria’s premier military university, producing officers for the Army, Air Force, and Navy. Cadets here undergo a 5-year program and are commissioned into the Armed Forces upon graduation.
NDA Cadet Monthly Salary (During Training)
| Cadet Year | Estimated Monthly Stipend (₦) |
| Year 1 – 2 | ₦60,000 – ₦75,000 |
| Year 3 – 4 | ₦80,000 – ₦95,000 |
| Final Year (5) | ₦100,000 – ₦120,000 |
Note: While technically not "salaries," cadets receive stipends to cover living, books, uniforms, and personal expenses.
NDA Graduates’ Starting Salary After Commissioning
After commissioning, NDA graduates begin their careers as Second Lieutenants (Army), Sub-Lieutenants (Navy), or Pilot Officers (Air Force).
| Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) |
| Second Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant / Pilot Officer | ₦600,000 – ₦700,000 |
Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC) Salary Structure 2025
POLAC is the official training ground for police cadet officers, where cadets are groomed to become senior officers in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The training period is 5 years, and successful cadets graduate as Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP).
POLAC Cadet Monthly Salary (During Training)
| Cadet Year | Estimated Monthly Stipend (₦) |
| Year 1 – 2 | ₦50,000 – ₦65,000 |
| Year 3 – 4 | ₦70,000 – ₦85,000 |
| Final Year (5) | ₦90,000 – ₦110,000 |
Cadets are also provided with accommodation, uniforms, and meals during their training at no cost.
POLAC Graduate Salary After Commissioning
Upon graduation, POLAC cadets are appointed as Assistant Superintendent of Police II (ASP II).
| Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) |
| ASP II | ₦550,000 – ₦650,000 |
Common Allowances for NDA & POLAC Cadets and Officers (2025)
While still in training, cadets receive additional stipends and benefits. Upon commissioning, they become entitled to full allowances.
| Allowance Type | Cadets (During Training) | Commissioned Officers |
| Uniform Allowance | Covered by institution | ₦20,000 – ₦40,000/month |
| Feeding/Meal Allowance | Provided in school | Self-funded post-graduation |
| Transport Allowance | ₦5,000 – ₦15,000/month | ₦20,000 – ₦50,000/month |
| Hazard/Operational Allow. | Not applicable | ₦30,000 – ₦100,000/month |
| Housing/Accommodation | Free in campus | ₦50,000 – ₦200,000/month |
| Book/Academic Grant | ₦10,000 – ₦20,000/semester | N/A |
Note: Officers who serve in high-risk zones or foreign missions may earn significantly more due to special operational and international allowances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do NDA and POLAC cadets receive salaries or stipends?
They receive monthly stipends, not full salaries, while in training. The actual salary begins after commissioning as full officers.
Q2: Are the cadets entitled to accommodation?
Yes. Both NDA and POLAC provide free housing, uniforms, books, and feeding throughout the training duration.
Q3: What rank do NDA cadets graduate with?
NDA cadets are commissioned as Second Lieutenants (Army), Pilot Officers (Air Force), or Sub-Lieutenants (Navy).
Q4: What rank do POLAC cadets graduate with?
POLAC cadets graduate as Assistant Superintendent of Police II (ASP II).
Q5: Has the 2025 minimum wage affected cadet pay?
Yes. The ₦77,000 minimum wage has influenced upward adjustments across all federal institutions, including cadet stipends and officer salaries.
Conclusion
Whether you’re dreaming of flying high from NDA or enforcing law and order from POLAC, both institutions offer solid career paths with respectable financial benefits. With the new 2025 salary scale, cadets and officers now enjoy better welfare and take-home pay.
The government’s commitment to investing in security personnel is finally reflecting in these structured payments — and it’s only getting better from here. If you're passionate about serving Nigeria in uniform, now is a great time to begin your journey!
