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Ikiodiete George
- 2 Min Read
Nigerian Navy Official Salary & Allowance Structure 2025: How Much Do They Earn?
With Nigeria’s new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 effective from January 2025, military and paramilitary salary structures, including that of the Nigerian Navy, have been adjusted upward to reflect economic realities and improve the welfare of servicemen and women.
This article provides a comprehensive and competitive breakdown of the Nigerian Navy salary and allowances structure for 2025, tailored to rank and experience level.
Structure of Nigerian Navy Salary
The Nigerian Navy salary system is divided into two categories:
- Commissioned Officers – Senior military personnel (from Midshipman to Admiral)
- Non-Commissioned Officers (Ratings) – Enlisted personnel who serve in operational and technical roles
The table below reflects the salaries based on the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, rank responsibility, and national inflation benchmarks.
Commissioned Officers: Ranks and Salaries (Monthly)
|
Rank |
Monthly Salary (₦) |
|
Admiral |
₦2,500,000 |
|
Vice Admiral |
₦2,100,000 |
|
Rear Admiral |
₦1,800,000 |
|
Commodore |
₦1,300,000 |
|
Captain |
₦950,000 |
|
Commander |
₦750,000 |
|
Lieutenant Commander |
₦550,000 |
|
Lieutenant |
₦450,000 |
|
Sub-Lieutenant |
₦350,000 |
|
Midshipman |
₦250,000 |
Non-Commissioned Officers (Ratings): Ranks and Salaries (Monthly)
|
Rank |
Monthly Salary (₦) |
|
Navy Warrant Officer |
₦350,000 |
|
Master Warrant Officer |
₦310,000 |
|
Warrant Officer |
₦270,000 |
|
Leading Seaman |
₦230,000 |
|
Able Seaman |
₦200,000 |
|
Seaman |
₦180,000 |
|
Ordinary Seaman (Recruit) |
₦150,000 |
Allowances & Welfare Benefits
In addition to base salary, Nigerian Navy personnel enjoy numerous allowances depending on duty type, location, and operation level. These include:
- Housing Allowance: ₦50,000 – ₦300,000 (based on rank and location)
- Uniform Maintenance: ₦15,000 – ₦80,000 monthly
- Operation Allowance: ₦30,000 – ₦200,000 (active duty or combat zones)
- Hardship Allowance: For assignments in difficult terrains
- Transport/Travel Allowance: Rank-based; also covers official transfers
Additional benefits include medical care, pension, gratuity, insurance cover, subsidized housing, and family support schemes.
Summary Table: Nigerian Navy Competitive Pay (2025)
|
Category |
Lowest Salary (₦) |
Highest Salary (₦) |
|
Commissioned Officers |
₦250,000 |
₦2,500,000 |
|
Non-Commissioned Officers |
₦150,000 |
₦350,000 |
|
Allowances (General) |
₦100,000+ |
₦600,000+ (total/month) |
FAQs – Nigerian Navy Salary Structure 2025
Q1: What is the starting salary for a Nigerian Navy recruit in 2025?
A: An Ordinary Seaman now earns ₦150,000 monthly, up from under ₦60,000 previously.
Q2: Do Navy officers earn more than Army officers?
A: Salaries across all armed forces are similar, but the Nigerian Navy offers higher allowances for maritime-specific duties and foreign missions.
Q3: Is this new salary structure permanent?
A: The structure is based on the ₦70,000 national minimum wage and will remain until reviewed by the Federal Government or the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
Q4: Are Nigerian Navy salaries taxed?
A: Yes, they are subject to Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax deductions and pension contributions.
Conclusion
The updated 2025 salary structure of the Nigerian Navy offers competitive remuneration that reflects the rising cost of living and the critical importance of naval defense in Nigeria’s security architecture. Whether you're looking to join the Navy or simply seeking to understand military compensation, this new structure demonstrates a solid investment in the welfare and morale of naval personnel.
