Naf & Nigerian Navy Salary Worth By Ranks 2025: Fg-Verified Guide

Discover the full salary structure of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Nigerian Navy in 2025. Learn how much each rank earns, including allowances, benefits, and career prospects in both forces.

George Magnus

Senior Content Writer

Nigeria’s armed forces are among the most structured institutions in terms of career progression, discipline, and remuneration. Two of the most respected arms of the military are the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Nigerian Navy. If you are considering a career in either of these forces or simply want to know how much their personnel earn in 2025, this guide provides a breakdown of their salaries by rank—based on the new ₦70,000 minimum wage baseline and FG adjustments.

Whether you are looking to join, have a family member in service, or are simply curious, this breakdown gives you an accurate view of what to expect financially in each rank from recruit to top commander.

Nigerian Navy Salary Structure 2025

The Nigerian Navy salary is structured by rank, and payments are based on the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS). It starts from trainee levels and extends to the Admiral level, with allowances, risk pay, and other benefits.

Commissioned Officers (Monthly Salary Table)

Rank	Estimated Monthly Salary (₦)
Admiral	₦1,350,000
Vice Admiral	₦1,100,000
Rear Admiral	₦1,000,000
Commodore	₦600,000
Captain	₦310,000
Commander	₦280,000
Lieutenant Commander	₦230,000
Lieutenant	₦195,000
Sub-Lieutenant	₦150,000
Acting Sub-Lieutenant	₦130,000
Midshipman	₦120,000

Non-Commissioned Officers (Monthly Salary Table)

Rank	Estimated Monthly Salary (₦)
Warrant Chief Petty Officer	₦120,000
Chief Petty Officer	₦90,000
Petty Officer	₦80,000
Leading Seaman	₦70,000
Able Seaman	₦60,000
Ordinary Seaman	₦50,000
Naval Trainee (Recruit)	₦45,000

Nigerian Air Force Salary Structure 2025

Like the Navy, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) follows a rank-based salary structure. Salaries increase with rank and years of service, and officers enjoy allowances such as housing, hazard, and flight duty bonuses.

Commissioned Officers (Monthly Salary Table)

Rank	Estimated Monthly Salary (₦)
Air Chief Marshal	₦1,700,000
Air Marshal	₦1,450,000
Air Vice Marshal	₦1,300,000
Air Commodore	₦680,000
Group Captain	₦350,000
Wing Commander	₦340,000
Squadron Leader	₦250,000
Flight Lieutenant	₦230,000
Flying Officer	₦210,000
Pilot Officer	₦180,000

Non-Commissioned Officers (Monthly Salary Table)

Rank	Estimated Monthly Salary (₦)
Air Warrant Officer	₦170,000
Master Warrant Officer	₦160,000
Warrant Officer	₦100,000
Flight Sergeant	₦85,000
Sergeant	₦70,000
Corporal	₦60,000
Lance Corporal	₦55,000
Aircraftman	₦50,000
Air Force Recruit	₦45,000

Salary Comparison: Nigerian Air Force vs Navy (2025)

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of key ranks in both services:

Rank	Navy Salary (₦)	Air Force Salary (₦)
Top Command (Admiral/ACM)	₦1,350,000	₦1,700,000
Senior Officers	₦1,000,000 – ₦1,100,000	₦1,300,000 – ₦1,450,000
Middle Officers	₦230,000 – ₦600,000	₦250,000 – ₦680,000
Junior Officers	₦120,000 – ₦195,000	₦180,000 – ₦230,000
Senior Non-Comms	₦80,000 – ₦120,000	₦85,000 – ₦170,000
Entry-Level Personnel	₦45,000 – ₦70,000	₦45,000 – ₦60,000

Allowances & Extra Benefits

Both the NAF and Navy provide personnel with monthly and yearly allowances to improve welfare. These include:

Housing Allowance: Especially for those not in military accommodation.
Transport Allowance: For mobility, especially during transfers or postings.
Uniform Allowance: Covers the cost of uniforms and accessories.
Hazard/Risk Allowance: For personnel deployed in high-risk areas.
Medical Allowance: Free access to military hospitals and health insurance.
Training & Operational Allowance: For those attending military schools or on special duties.

These benefits can significantly raise the actual take-home pay—sometimes by as much as 30% depending on rank and location of service.

Career Growth in NAF & Navy

Promotions in both forces are performance- and time-based. Officers start at trainee or cadet levels and rise through the ranks after passing exams, attending trainings, and completing years of service. It usually takes between 3 to 5 years between promotions, though this can vary based on military needs, vacancies, and officer performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the minimum starting salary in NAF and Navy?
Both services start trainees and recruits at about ₦45,000 to ₦50,000 per month, depending on training allowances.

2. How long does it take to get promoted?
On average, personnel are promoted every 3 to 5 years, depending on conduct, exams, and available positions.

3. Do officers get pensions?
Yes, military personnel are entitled to pensions after the required years of service, along with gratuity.

4. Is there a difference in salary for engineers or specialists?
Yes, personnel with technical expertise (e.g., engineers, doctors, pilots) often receive additional bonuses and allowances.

5. Can civilians apply to join the NAF or Navy?
Absolutely. Both forces open up regular recruitment portals annually for qualified Nigerian citizens.

Conclusion

The Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy are two prestigious branches of Nigeria’s armed forces, offering not just structured career paths but also competitive salaries and allowances. In 2025, their salary structures reflect the government’s commitment to improving welfare for military personnel. With clear earnings by rank and extra benefits like housing, medical care, and training stipends, a career in either force can be both financially and professionally rewarding.

Whether you're a young Nigerian looking to enlist, or a parent guiding your child toward a stable future, knowing the financial outlook of each rank is the first step in making an informed decision.