Ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria is a critical responsibility carried out by both the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Army.
This article delves into the salary structures of these two vital institutions, comparing their ranks, salaries, and benefits.
Nigeria Police Force: History and Overview
The Nigeria Police Force is the primary law enforcement agency in Nigeria, operating at the federal level to maintain law and order across the nation.
Established in 1820 as a paramilitary unit, the NPF has evolved into a comprehensive law enforcement body, governed by the Police Act and overseen by the Ministry of Police Affairs.
Ranks and Salaries in the Nigeria Police Force
- Inspector General of Police: ₦711,450 per month
- Deputy Inspector General of Police: ₦546,572.80 per month
- Assistant Inspector General of Police: ₦499,751 per month
- Commissioner of Police: ₦502,970 per month
- Deputy Commissioner of Police: ₦378,852 per month
- Assistant Commissioner of Police: ₦212,938.20 per month
- Chief Superintendent of Police: ₦199,723.96 per month
- Superintendent of Police: ₦172,089.06 per month
- Deputy Superintendent of Police: ₦170,399.70 per month
- Assistant Superintendent of Police: ₦156,318.39 per month
- Inspector of Police: ₦87,135.10 per month
- Sergeant Major: ₦62,204.88 per month
- Sergeant: ₦55,973.90 per month
- Corporal: ₦51,113.60 per month
- Constable: ₦51,113.60 per month
Benefits and Welfare Packages
- Health Insurance: Coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme for officers and their families.
- Travel Allowance: Allowances for official travel outside the state of assignment.
- Housing Allowance: Accommodation provided or housing allowance if official housing is unavailable.
- Cooperative Society Benefits: Access to loans, savings, and subsidized goods through the NPF cooperative society.
Training Allowances
- SSCE Holders: ₦10,000 – ₦13,000 per month
- Graduates: ₦18,000 – ₦25,000 per month
Nigerian Army: History and Overview
The Nigerian Army, one of the largest components of the Nigerian Armed Forces, is tasked with defending the country’s territorial integrity and providing aid during national emergencies.
Originating from the Royal West African Frontier Force established in 1900, the Nigerian Army has grown significantly since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, playing a key role in regional security and peacekeeping.
Ranks and Salaries in the Nigerian Army
Commissioned Officers
- Field Marshal (5-Star General): Highest rank
- General (4-Star General): ₦1,500,000 per month
- Lieutenant General (3-Star General): ₦1,000,000 per month
- Major General (2-Star General): ₦950,000 per month
- Brigadier General (1-Star General): ₦750,000 per month
- Lieutenant Colonel: ₦550,000 per month
- Major: ₦300,000 per month
- Captain: ₦220,000 per month
- Lieutenant: ₦180,000 per month
- Second Lieutenant: ₦120,000 per month
Non-Commissioned Officers
- Warrant Officer Class I: ₦80,000 per month
- Warrant Officer Class II: ₦68,000 per month
- Staff Sergeant: ₦68,000 per month
- Sergeant: ₦63,000 per month
- Corporal: ₦58,000 per month
Benefits and Welfare Packages
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for officers and their families.
- Housing Allowance: Provision of accommodation or a housing allowance.
- Special Allowances: Hazard pay, duty tour allowance, and uniform maintenance allowance.
- Educational Benefits: Scholarships and educational grants for officers and their dependents.
Training Allowances
- Short Service Cadets: ₦15,000 – ₦25,000 per month
- Regular Cadets: ₦25,000 – ₦50,000 per month
Comparative Analysis of Salaries
High-Ranking Officers
- Inspector General of Police: ₦711,450 per month
- General (Nigerian Army): ₦1,500,000 per month
High-ranking officers in the Nigerian Army earn significantly more than their counterparts in the Nigeria Police Force.
Mid-Ranking Officers
- Commissioner of Police: ₦502,970 per month
- Lieutenant Colonel (Nigerian Army): ₦550,000 per month
Mid-ranking officers in the Nigerian Army earn slightly more than those in the Nigeria Police Force.
Lower-Ranking Officers
- Sergeant (NPF): ₦55,973.90 per month
- Sergeant (Nigerian Army): ₦63,000 per month
Even at lower ranks, army personnel receive higher salaries compared to their police counterparts.
Training Allowances
- NPF (SSCE Holders): ₦10,000 – ₦13,000 per month
- NPF (Graduates): ₦18,000 – ₦25,000 per month
- Short Service Cadets (Nigerian Army): ₦15,000 – ₦25,000 per month
- Regular Cadets (Nigerian Army): ₦25,000 – ₦50,000 per month
Conclusion
Overall, the Nigerian Army offers higher salaries across most ranks compared to the Nigeria Police Force.
This disparity reflects the different roles, responsibilities, and risks associated with each institution.
The Nigerian Army’s higher compensation is justified by its involvement in national defense and international missions, while the NPF plays a crucial role in maintaining internal security and public order.
Understanding these differences is essential for those considering careers in these institutions and for policymakers aiming to ensure fair compensation for Nigeria’s security personnel.