THE UPDATED RANKS, INSIGNIA, AND SALARY STRUCTURE FOR NIGERIAN ARMY, NIGERIAN NAVY, AND NIGERIAN AIRFORCE.
The Nigerian Military is a respectable and organized body called the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF), which is responsible for safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and maintaining peace and security within its borders.
The military employs an organized structural hierarchy of ranks, each with its distinct insignia, symbols and corresponding salaries to achieve this. Understanding this structure, helps you to appreciate the dedication of its personnel and get well versed with its operation.
This structure also helps to maintain discipline and a structured chain of command within the military. Do you want to know the basic structure that comprises the Nigerian Armed force and their salary structure?
This article will answer all your questions about military in Nigeria.
Table of Contents
- The Nigerian Armed Forces, NAF
- The Structure of the Nigeria Armed Force
- Military Ranks in Nigeria
- Nigerian Army Ranks, Symbols, and Salaries
- How many ranks are in the Nigerian army?
- Military ranks in order in the Nigerian army
- The Top five highest ranks in the Nigerian Army
- What is the highest rank in the Nigerian Army?
- Nigerian Navy Ranks, Symbols, and Salaries
- How many ranks are in the Nigeria Navy?
- Military ranks in order in the Nigerian Navy
- The Top five highest ranks in the Nigerian Navy
- What is the highest rank in the Nigerian Navy?
- Nigerian Airforce Ranks, Symbols, and Salaries
- How many ranks are in the Nigeria Airforce?
- Military ranks in order in the Nigerian Airforce
- The Top five highest ranks in the Nigerian Airforce
- What is the highest rank in the Nigerian Airforce?
- What Nigerian Military Force is the Highest Paid?
- Training and Education:
The Nigerian Armed Forces, NAF
The Nigerian Armed Forces was established in 1960, the year Nigeria got it independence. It was established as the successor of the combat units of the Royal West African Frontier Force, that have previously served as British Empire multi-battalion field force, during Nigeria’s protectorate period. From the time it was created, it has fought a civil war, sent peace keeping forces abroad, and has seized power twice at home.[1]
The Structure of the Nigeria Armed Force
- Command structure
The Commander-in-Chief of the Nigeria Armed Forces is the President of Nigeria. He exercises his constitutional authority through the Ministry of Defence, which is responsible for the management of the military and personnel. The present is Commander-in-Chief is President Bola Tinubu and the Defence minister is Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. [1]
- Service branches
- Nigerian Army (NA): This is the land division of the Nigerian Armed Forces with a major duty of protecting Nigeria democracy. It is the largest among the Nigerian Armed Forces. Its major formations include, 1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th, and 8th Division, 3rd Armoured Division, 81st Division, and 82nd Division. [1] They are responsible for maintaining peace in the land, enforcing law and ensuring securities within the borders. [2]
- Nigerian Navy (NN): The sea branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with a major duty of defending the territorial waters. The command structure consists of a Headquarters in Abuja and three other operational commands with headquarters in Lagos, Calabar and Bayelsa.[1] The Nigerian Navy is responsible for protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests and enforcing maritime laws. [3]
- Nigerian Air Force (NAF): The air branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with a duty to ensure the integrity of the airspace. it is the youngest branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It was established in 1964, following the nation’s participation in peace keeping operations to airlift the Armed forces through and from the theatres of operation. [4]
Military Ranks in Nigeria
The military rank is more than just salutation but a badge of leadership. It is characterized by the growth in responsibility for personnel, equipment and mission associated with each increase in rank. This rank system is the back bone of the Nigerian army’s structure, defining a soldiers or officer role and degree of responsibility. [5] The rank system is divided into two:
- Commissioned officers: This is the highest rank in Nigeria military. It is the officer rank, consisting of graduates of military academies. They are responsible for leading and commanding troops. These officers can hold a presidential commission. [5]
- Non-Commissioned officers: This is the soldiers rank in the Nigerian military. A soldier is one who serves in the army and fight for pay.[5] They are backbone of the military. They are responsible for carrying out the orders of commissioned officers and leading their fellow soldiers.
Nigerian Army Ranks, Symbols, and Salaries
The Nigerian Army is the largest component of the Nigerian Armed Forces and plays a pivotal role in land-based operations. Its logo is a symbol that differentiates it from other armed forces, consisting of an eagle that signifies grace and power, a star that represent unity of Nigeria, an Arabic write up, meaning ‘Victory comes from God alone’ and a red flag standing for threat and enemy element and the black on the flag stands for Nigerian cavalry and troops. The ranks in the Nigerian Army are divided into two categories: commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers.
How many ranks are in the Nigerian army?
The Nigerian army commissioned officers has 11 ranks and the non-commissioned officers has 8 ranks.
Military ranks in order in the Nigerian army
Here are the ranks in ascending order:
Nigerian Army Non-Commissioned Officers:
- Recruit: This is the lowest rank in Nigeria army. This rank has no insignia.[2] [7]
- Salary: Not known.
- Private: The second rank after the trainee position, and also has no insignia.[2] [7]
- Salary: ₦ 49,000per month.[6]
- Lance Corporal: They are slightly higher than the private.[2] [7]
- Insignia: one shoulder mark on their sleeves.
- Salary: ₦54,000 per month.[6]
- Corporal: This is the next rank a lance corporal assumes upon getting a promotion.[2] [7]
- Insignia: two shoulder mark on their sleeves.
- Salary: ₦58,000 per month.[6]
- Sergeant: The fifteenth most powerful army in Nigeria and a junior non-commissioned officer.[2] [7]
- Insignia: three shoulder mark called triple V on their sleeves.
- Salary: ₦63,000 per month.[6]
- Staff Sergeant: A senior non-commissioned officer.[2] [7]
- Insignia: triple V and a golden eagle on their sleeves.
- Salary: ₦68,000 per month.[6]
- Warrant Officer: An assistant to the master Warrant officer.[2] [7]
- Insignia: a golden eagle surrounded by a golden crown made of olive leaves.
- Salary: ₦80,000 per month.[6]
- Master Warrant Officer: Ranked number twelve in the Nigerian army and is the highest non-commissioned officer.[2] [7]
- Insignia: Nigerian coat of arm.
- Salary: ₦90,000 per month.[6]
Commissioned Officers:
- Second Lieutenant: A commissioned officer in the Nigerian Army, ranking below a lieutenant and above a warrant officer.[2][7]
- Insignia: A single gold star on each shoulder strap.
- Salary: ₦120,000 per month.[6]
- First Lieutenant: A commissioned officer in the Nigerian Army, ranking below a captain and above a second lieutenant. A First Lieutenant is the captain’s deputy.[2][7]
- Insignia: Two gold stars on each shoulder strap.
- Salary: ₦180,000 per month.[6]
- Captain: A commissioned officer in the Nigerian Army, ranking below a major and above a first lieutenant. This is the highest rank among the tactical troop organization.[2] [7]
- Insignia: Three vertically aligned gold stars on each shoulder strap.
- Salary: ₦220,000 per month.[6]
- Major: A commissioned officer in the Nigerian Army, ranking below a lieutenant colonel and above a captain.it is among the lowest field officer rank in the Nigerian army.[2] [7]
- Insignia: A silver eagle.
- Salary: ₦300,000 per month.[6]
- Lieutenant Colonel: A commissioned officer in the Nigerian Army, ranking below a colonel and above a major.[2][7]
- Insignia: A vertically aligned eagle over a star, all silver.
- Salary: ₦350,000 per month.[6]
- Colonel: A commissioned officer in the Nigerian Army, ranking below a brigadier general and above a lieutenant colonel. This is responsible for the regiments.[2][7]
- Insignia: A silver eagle over two stars on each shoulder strap.
- Salary: ₦550,000 per month.[6]
- Brigadier General: A commissioned officer in the Nigerian Army, ranking below a major general and above a colonel. These officers are in charge of brigades.[2][7]
- Insignia: A silver eagle over three stars arranged in triangle.
- Salary: ₦750,000 per month.[6]
- Major General: A commissioned officer in the Nigerian Army, ranking below a lieutenant general and above a brigadier general.[2][7]
- Insignia: A golden eagle over a crossed sword and baton.
- Salary: ₦950,000 per month.[6]
- Lieutenant General: A commissioned officer in the Nigerian Army, ranking below a general and above a major general, the third highest rank in the Nigeria Army.[2][7]
- Insignia: A golden eagle over two golden stars on each shoulder strap, with a crossed sword and baton below the stars.
- Salary: ₦1,000,000 per month.[6]
- General: A commissioned officer in the Nigerian Army, ranking below a field marshal and above a lieutenant general. It is the second highest rank in Nigerian army.[2][7]
- Insignia: A golden eagle over two golden stars on each shoulder strap, with a crossed sword and baton below the stars.
- Salary: ₦1,500,000 per month.[6]
- Field Marshal: The highest commissioned rank in the Nigerian Army, ranking above a general. This rank is regarded as unattainable.[2][7]
- Insignia: A golden eagle over a crossed sword and baton in an olive leave emblem on each shoulder strap.
- Salary: Not applicable, as there has never been a field marshal in the Nigerian Army.[6]
It is important to note that these are just basic salaries, and actual earnings may vary depending on experience, allowances, and other factors.
The Top five highest ranks in the Nigerian Army
- Field Marshal
- General
- Lieutenant General
- Major General
- Brigadier General
These ranks are held by the most senior officers in the Nigerian Army. They are responsible for leading and commanding the entire army.[5]
What is the highest rank in the Nigerian Army?
The highest rank in military is the Field Marshall, but no Nigerian has ever attained the position. However, the highest rank proven to be attainable, in the Nigerian Army is the General.[7]
The Nigerian Navy is among the largest navies on the African continent. It owes it origin to the Nigerian marine formed in 1914 after the amalgamation of the then, northern and southern Nigeria. The Nigerian Navy was established in 1956 and has played a significant role in Nigeria’s history and development. The body has helped to protect Nigeria’s maritime interest and has expanded significantly since independence, and now has a fleet of over 100 ships and aircraft. The ranks in the Nigerian Army are divided into two categories: commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers.[8]
The Nigerian navy commissioned officer have 12 ranks and the non-commissioned officers have 7 ranks.
Here are the ranks in ascending order:
Nigerian Navy Non-Commissioned Officer:
- Trainee: Entry-level recruits undergoing basic training.[8][3]
- Insignia: No specific insignia.
- Salary: ₦10,237 per month.[6]
- Ordinary Seaman: Basic sailor responsible for various duties on board a ship.[8][3]
- Insignia: One stripe.
- Salary: ₦53,892 per month.[6]
- Able Seaman: Skilled sailor with more responsibilities and abilities.[8][3]
- Insignia: Two stripes.
- Salary: ₦60,832 per month.[6]
- Leading Rating: Supervises and leads junior sailors in specific tasks.[8][3]
- Insignia: Three stripes.
- Salary: ₦68,634 per month.[6]
- Petty Officer: Specialized expert in a specific field, leading a group of ratings.[8][3]
- Insignia: One big stripe and one small stripe.
- Salary: ₦75,261 per month.[6]
- Chief Petty Officer: Senior enlisted leader, responsible for training and discipline.[8][3]
- Insignia: Two big stripes.
- Salary: ₦109,974 per month.[6]
- Warrant Officer: Technical and administrative experts in their field.[8][3]
- Insignia: One large stripe with a smaller one below it.
- Salary: ₦165,697 per month.[6]
Nigerian Navy Commissioned officer:
- Midshipman: Officer in training, often a cadet at the Naval Academy.[8][3]
- Insignia: A white patch of cloth with a gold button and a twist of white cord on each side of the coat collar.
- Salary: ₦188,159 per month.[6]
- Acting Sub-Lieutenant: Junior commissioned officer, often serving as departmental officers.[8][3]
- Insignia: One medium braid stripe with an executive curl.
- Salary: ₦200,000 per month.[6]
- Sub-Lieutenant: Junior commissioned officer, often serving as departmental officers.[8][3]
- Insignia: One medium braid stripe with an executive curl.
- Salary: ₦219,400 per month.[6]
- Lieutenant: Department heads and watch-keeping officers on ships.[8][3]
- Insignia: two medium gold braid stripes, the uppermost stripe featuring an executive curl.
- Salary: ₦250,000 per month.[6]
- Lieutenant Commander: Senior departmental officers on larger ships and staff positions.[8][3]
- Insignia: two medium gold braid stripes with one thin gold stripe running in between, placed upon a navy blue/black background, the uppermost stripe featuring an executive curl.
- Salary: ₦293,484 per month.[6]
- Commander: Commanding officers of smaller naval vessels.[8][3]
- Insignia: three medium gold braid stripes, the uppermost stripe featuring an executive curl.
- Salary: ₦281,674 per month.[6]
- Captain: Commanding officers of larger naval vessels and bases.[8][3]
- Insignia: four medium gold braid stripes, the uppermost stripe featuring an executive curl.
- Salary: ₦309,488 per month.[6]
- Commodore: Senior officers responsible for naval operations and commands.[8][3]
- Insignia: One silver star below a crossed anchor and a red eagle
- Salary: ₦615,488 per month.[6]
- Rear Admiral: Flag officers responsible for naval formations and fleet.[8][3]
- Insignia: Two-star below a crossed sword and baton and a red eagle
- Salary: ₦1,003,245 per month.[6]
- Vice Admiral: Senior flag officers responsible for major naval commands. Officers who attain this rank are also called 3-star officers.[8][3]
- Insignia: Three-star below a crossed anchor and a red eagle.
- Salary: ₦1,113,602 per month.[6]
- Admiral: Highest-ranking officer in the Nigerian Navy, often the Chief of Naval Staff.
- Insignia: Four-star below a crossed anchor and a red eagle.
- Salary: ₦1,358,595 per month.[6]
- Admiral of the Fleet:
- Insignia: Crossed sword and baton in an olive leaves emblem below the Nigeria coat of arm.
- Salary: A similar rank to the Field Marshal in the Nigerian Army.[6]
It is important to note that these are just basic salaries, and actual earnings may vary depending on experience, allowances, and other factors.
Photo credit: Legit.ng
The five highest ranks in the Nigerian Navy are:
- Vice Admiral
- Rear Admiral
- Commodore
- Captain
- Commander
The highest rank is the Admiral of the fleet, but like the Field Marshal is a ceremonial position as no Nigerian has attained it. The Admiral stand as the highest rank that can has been attained in the Nigeria Navy. However, The Chief of the Naval Staff is the highest-ranking military officer of the Nigerian Navy. The position is often occupied by the most senior commissioned officer appointed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Nigerian Airforce Ranks, Symbols, and Salaries
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is the air warfare branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It was established on 18 April 1964, and has since played a significant role in Nigeria’s military history. It is the youngest armed force in Nigeria and one of the largest Airforce. Its major responsibility is defending Nigeria’s airspace, providing air support to the Nigerian Army and Navy, and carrying out humanitarian and disaster relief operations. It is also a key player in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts. In NAF logo, The golden horses and the red eagle symbolize integrity and dignity respectively.[4]
Photo credit: Punch Newspaper
How many ranks are in the Nigeria Airforce?
The Nigerian Airforce commissioned officer have 11 ranks and the non-commissioned officers have 8 ranks.
Military ranks in order in the Nigerian Airforce
Here are the ranks in ascending order:
Nigerian Airforce Non-Commissioned Officer:
- Recruits / Trainee: New recruits undergoing training and has no insignia.[4][5]
- Aircraftman: Entry-level personnel undergoing basic training.[4][5]
Insignia:
Salary: ₦53,892 per month.[6]
- Lance Corporal: Junior officers often responsible for leading small teams or providing technical expertise in their specialties.[4][5]
Salary: ₦55,832 per month.[6]
- Corporal: officers responsible for leading teams and providing technical expertise in various areas.[4][5]
Salary: ₦58,634 per month.[6]
- Sergeant: Mid-level officers who may lead larger teams, supervise tasks, and provide guidance and training to junior personnel.[4][5]
Salary: ₦69,261 per month.[6]
- Flight Sergeant: Officers with significant technical expertise, often responsible for supervising and managing teams, equipment, and maintenance tasks.[4][5]
Salary: ₦87,119 per month.[6]
- Warrant Officer: Senior officers with extensive experience and technical knowledge, responsible for advising and assisting officers in leadership and management.[4][5]
Salary₦101,974 per month.[6]
- Master Warrant Officer: senior to the rank of warrant officer and its equivalents, and junior to Air warrant officer and its equivalents.[4][5]
Salary: ₦165,697 per month.[6]
- Air Warrant Officer: The highest-ranking officers, typically responsible for senior leadership and advising officers on technical matters.[4][5]
Salary: ₦171,793 per month.[6]
Nigerian Airforce Commissioned officer:
- Pilot Officer (Plt Off): The lowest commissioned officer rank, typically held by officers in training.[4][5]
Salary: ₦187,000 per month.[6]
- Flying Officer (Fg Off): Entry-level commissioned officers often in training or early in their careers.[4][5]
Salary: ₦218,000 per month.[6]
- Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt): Junior officers who serve as pilots, staff officers, or specialists.[4][5]
Salary: ₦232,000 per month.[6]
- Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr): Officers who lead smaller units or squadrons.[4][5]
Salary: ₦258,000 per month.[6]
- Wing Commander (Wg Cdr): Typically, responsible for commanding flying squadrons and ensuring operational readiness.[4][5]
Salary: ₦342,000 per month.[6]
- Group Captain (Gp Capt): Responsible for the management of squadrons and units within the Air Force.[4][5]
Salary: ₦352,000 per month.[6]
- Air Commodore (Air Cdre): Responsible for managing large units or departments within the Air Force. It is a one-star rank.[4][5]
Salary: ₦677,000 per month.[6]
- Air Vice Marshal (AVM): High-ranking officers who hold significant positions within the Air Force, often responsible for managing large units or departments. It is two-star rank of the Air Force and equivalent to the rank of Rear Admiral in the Navy and Major General in the Army.[4][5]
Salary: ₦1,370,000 per month.[6]
- Air Marshal (AM): A senior officer responsible for high-level command and decision-making. It is a three-star rank and the highest rank ever attained in the Nigeria. It is equivalent to the rank of Vice Admiral in the Navy and Lieutenant General in the Army.[4][5]
Salary: ₦1,500,000 per month.[6]
- Air Chief Marshal (ACM): The second highest-ranking officer in the Nigerian Air Force, responsible for overall leadership and strategic planning. It is a four-star rank.[4][5]
Salary: ₦1,700,000 per month.[6]
- Marshal of the Air Force: The highest-ranking officer in the Nigeria Airforce. This is a five-star rank, a rank that no officer has ever achieved. What sets it apart is its unique insignia, distinct from all other ranks. It carries the equivalent status of Admiral of the Fleet in the Navy and Field Marshal in the Army.[4][5]
Salary: N/A
It is important to note that these are just basic salaries, and actual earnings may vary depending on experience, allowances, and other factors.
The Top five highest ranks in the Nigerian Airforce
The five highest ranks in the Nigerian Air Force are:
- Marshal of the Air Force
- Air Chief Marshal
- Air Marshal
- Air Vice Marshal
- Air Commodore
What is the highest rank in the Nigerian Airforce?
The highest rank in the Nigerian Airforce is the five-star Marshal of the Air Force. Just like the Admiral of the Fleet in the Navy and Field Marshal in the Army, this position is ceremonial. The highest attained rank in Nigeria Airforce is Air Chief Marshal.
What Nigerian Military Force is the Highest Paid?
The highest-paid Nigerian military force is the Nigerian Air Force and this is because the Air Force is a more technical service than the Army or the Navy, and its personnel are required to have higher levels of education and training than the Army or the Navy. The Air Force is also responsible for operating and maintaining some of the most expensive equipment in the Nigerian military, such as fighter jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft and the Air Force is often deployed to high-risk areas to support counter-terrorism operations, and its personnel are therefore entitled to higher risk allowances.
Training and Education:
Continuous training and education is required in advancing through the ranks in the Nigerian military. Commissioned officers typically undergo a more advanced formal military academies and leadership courses. Non-commissioned officers receive training and may attend specialized courses to enhance their skills and knowledge. This commitment to professional development ensures that military personnel are well-prepared for their roles and responsibilities.[9]
The Nigerian military ranks, symbols, and salaries are crucial components of the nation’s defense structure. Understanding this hierarchy helps maintain discipline and effectiveness within the armed forces. While salaries may change over time, the dedication and commitment of military personnel remain unwavering.
Reference
- Nigeria Armed Forces”. Wikipedia.Retrieved 6 October, 2023.
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- Abiodun Adewusi. (September 6, 2022). “Nigerian Navy Ranks, Symbols and Salary Structure”. Punchinfo. Retrieved 6 October, 2023.
- “Nigeria Air Forces”. Retrieved 6 October, 2023.
- “Military Ranks”. NAFC. Retrieved 6 October, 2023.
- “Nigeria Military Salary With Ranks (Army, Navy And Airforce)”. (September 1, 2022). TheDailysBlog. Retrieved 6 October, 2023
- Jairus. “Nigerian Army Ranks, Salaries and Symbols”. School drillers. Retrieved 6 October, 2023.
- “Nigeria Navy”. Wikipedia. Retrieved 6 October, 2023.
- “DIRECTORATE OF ARMY TRAINING AND OPERATIONS”. Nigerian Army. Retrieved 6 October, 2023.