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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
State‑Approved Salary Scale For Civil Servants In Nigeria (2025)
As of 2025, civil servants across Nigeria’s 36 states are paid according to a unified system of Grade Levels (GL 1 to GL 17), with salaries now reflecting recent economic adjustments. While the federal government provides a standard template, states adopt and customize it, creating slight variations in take-home pay depending on location and role.
In this guide, you'll find a detailed breakdown of typical monthly salaries, job roles by level, allowances, career progression, and more.
2025 Salary Scale by State & Grade Level (Monthly Basic Pay)
|
State |
GL 1 |
GL 4 |
GL 7–8 |
GL 10 |
GL 12 |
GL 15–17 |
|
Edo |
₦95,000 |
₦140,000 |
₦220,000 – ₦245,000 |
₦310,000 |
₦350,000 |
₦510,000 – ₦620,000 |
|
Niger |
₦100,000 |
₦150,000 |
₦230,000 – ₦270,000 |
₦330,000 |
₦370,000 |
₦530,000 – ₦680,000 |
|
Ogun |
₦95,000 |
₦135,000 |
₦210,000 – ₦235,000 |
₦295,000 |
₦330,000 |
₦500,000 – ₦610,000 |
|
Oyo |
₦98,000 |
₦145,000 |
₦225,000 – ₦250,000 |
₦310,000 |
₦360,000 |
₦520,000 – ₦650,000 |
|
Rivers |
₦95,000 |
₦138,000 |
₦215,000 – ₦240,000 |
₦305,000 |
₦345,000 |
₦510,000 – ₦630,000 |
These are estimated monthly basic salaries only. Allowances and bonuses significantly increase total take-home pay.
Understanding the Grade Level Structure
Each state's civil service follows the same GL 1–17 format. Here’s what they typically cover:
- GL 1–3: Entry-level support roles
- GL 4–6: Junior technical and clerical positions
- GL 7–9: Diploma and B.Sc. holders in technical or admin roles
- GL 10–12: Mid-level professionals, supervisors
- GL 13–15: Departmental heads, deputy directors
- GL 16–17: Senior directors, permanent secretaries, top executives
Typical Roles by Grade Level
|
Grade Level |
Job Titles/Examples |
|
GL 1–3 |
Cleaner, Office Assistant, Messenger |
|
GL 4–6 |
Typist, Clerk, Laboratory Technician |
|
GL 7–9 |
Admin Officer, Engineer, Executive Officer |
|
GL 10–12 |
Senior Admin Officer, Project Coordinator |
|
GL 13–15 |
Assistant Director, Principal Officer |
|
GL 16–17 |
Director, Permanent Secretary, State Secretary |
Your grade level depends on your qualifications, role, and sometimes years of experience.
Allowances That Boost Take-Home Pay
In addition to the monthly basic salary, civil servants enjoy several allowances:
- Housing/Rent Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- 13th Month Bonus (End-of-Year Pay)
- Leave Bonus
- Medical Insurance (NHIS or state equivalent)
- Pension & Gratuity Contributions
- Hazard/Risk Allowance (for special or rural duties)
- Call-Duty, Shift, or Overtime Allowance (where applicable)
These allowances can increase total earnings by 30% to 70% depending on the role and location.
Career Progression & Salary Growth
Civil servants typically move up through step increments and promotions. Here’s how growth works:
- Step Increments: An annual salary increase within your current grade level
- Grade Promotion: Usually every 3–5 years, based on performance, assessments, and vacancies
- With commitment and training, an officer may rise from GL 4 to GL 15 or higher over a 25–30 year career.
Training programs, exams, and good performance play key roles in achieving promotions faster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How much do new staff on GL 1 earn in 2025?
Civil servants on GL 1 now earn around ₦95,000–₦100,000 monthly, depending on the state.
Q2: What grade level does a B.Sc. holder start on?
Most university graduates begin at GL 08, although some start at GL 07 depending on the job role.
Q3: Which states pay the highest salaries?
States like Lagos, Edo, Niger, and Oyo generally offer higher civil service pay, particularly at middle and senior levels.
Q4: Are allowances consistent across states?
While some allowances are standardized, others (like rural posting or call duty) depend on local government policies and job duties.
Q5: Can someone rise from GL 04 to GL 15?
Yes. With time, training, and consistent performance, civil servants can rise through the ranks to GL 15 or even GL 17.
Conclusion
The 2025 state-approved salary scale offers Nigerian civil servants a structured and transparent income path—from entry-level workers to top government executives. With recent salary adjustments now fully reflected across states, workers enjoy better compensation, more competitive allowances, and a reliable promotion system.
