Nigerian Navy Ranks and Salary (Updated)

Are you searching to know Nigerian Navy Ranks and Salary for commissioned and non-commissioned Navy Officers? This article discusses the history of the Nigerian Navy, ranks in the Navy, as well as the Nigerian Navy salary structure.

Nigerian Navy and Salary – An Introduction

The Nigerian Navy is one sector of the Nigerian Armed Forces – the others being the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force.

The Armed Forces are responsible for the protection of the nation and its interests from external or foreign forces, and the Nigerian Navy does this at sea and other water bodies.

It’s part of the security agencies in Nigeria and serves a vital purpose.

History of the Nigerian Navy

Decades before the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Protectorates, each region had separate Marine agencies known as the Southern Marine and Northern Marine, respectively.

The Nigerian Marine, now known as the Nigerian Navy was born after the amalgamation in 1914, during which it served as a quasi-military force.

The Nigerian Marine was charged with the responsibility of operating ferry services, administration of ports and harbors, as well as touring large and small craft that passed through the creeks and various inland waterways within the country.

At the time, the Nigerian Marine was under the protection of the Royal Navy since it was a part of the British Empire.

Related: Nigeria Maritime University Delta State; Courses, Admission, Website, All to Know

The Nigerian Marine hardly faced or fought any major threats until it was called to action in World War I.

Decades passed, and the Nigerian Marine was the only maritime organization in the country.

However, this changed when the British rulers deemed it fit to re-design the organization.

This process birthed three new organizations – the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Inland Waterways Department, and the Nigerian Naval Force.

Related: Top Seaports in Nigeria

The Nigerian Ports Authority, the Inland Waterways Department, and the Nigerian Naval Force.

The Nigerian Ports Authority was responsible for ensuring safe navigation and running the affairs of the seaports.

The Inland Waterways handled the running of ferries and touring launches, while the Nigerian Naval Force consisted of reserve Royal Navy officers and ex-Service staff who were transferred to the Nigerian Ports Authority from the disbanded Nigerian Marine.

This transfer sparked a lot of controversy as the officers pushed for the Colonial Authorities to establish a new organization that will be invested in the future of the Nigerian Navy.

This was what led to the establishment of the Nigerian Naval Force, whose purpose was to train and set up the required workforce for the future Navy.

The HMNS QUORRA, established in 1957 was the first of many training setups for the future Navy and it consisted of 60 junior ratings.

The training and seamanship course lasted for about 6 months.

The Naval Disciplinary Act

The following year, the Naval Force was brought under the Naval Disciplinary Act, courtesy of a colonial ordinance.

This meant that all the staff of the Nigerian Naval Force were subject to the disciplinary doctrines and rules that apply to the Nigerian Navy.

The Nigerian Navy experienced a major transformation phase in July 1959 when Queen Elizabeth gave permission for the Navy to be named the “Royal Nigerian Navy.”

When Nigeria became a republic nation in 1963, this title was changed to the Nigerian Navy.

The responsibilities and grade of the Nigerian Navy experienced a major boost in 1964, courtesy of the Navy Act of 1964.

This law conferred on the Nigerian Navy, military responsibility for Nigeria from the sea.

The law also assigned the Nigerian Navy various coast guard duties.

The role of the Nigerian Navy was redefined in 1993, courtesy of the Armed Forces Decree 105 or the Armed Forces Act.

This new law gave the Nigerian Navy military and constabulary functions, especially in the oil and gas sector.

Related: Oil Producing States in Nigeria & Barrels per Day, History and Refineries

Nigerian Navy Ranks and Symbols

The Nigerian Navy places its commissioned and non-commissioned officers into various ranks which depict authority and level of access to certain information.

The Navy ranks in Nigeria also come with varying amounts of salaries and benefits.

Commissioned Officers of the Nigerian Navy

Commissioned officers are the members who enlisted to join Nigerian Navy through the Nigerian Naval Academy or the Direct Short Service Commission.

They are usually more involved in the affairs of the Nigerian Naval than their non-commissioned counterparts, and as one would expect, their salaries and benefits are higher too.

Official List of the Commissioned Officers of the Nigerian Navy.

Here is the official list of the commissioned officers of the Nigerian Navy.

1. Admiral of the Fleet
2. Admiral
3. Vice-Admiral
4. Rear Admiral
5. Commodore
6. Captain
7. Commander
8. Lieutenant Commander
9. Lieutenant
10. Sub-Lieutenant
11. Acting Sub-Lieutenant
12. Mid-Shipman

Note: Symbols/Insignias are only for the commissioned officers of the Nigerian Navy.

Non-Commissioned Officers of the Nigerian Navy

Non-commissioned officers are members that have not earned a commission in the Nigerian Navy.

They are often recruited through a general recruitment process, unlike their commissioned counterparts.

Now, while they may not handle military-related issues like the commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers also have crucial ranks in the Nigerian Navy.

Official List of the Non-Commissioned Officers of the Nigerian Navy.

Here is a list of the non-commissioned officers of the Nigerian Navy:

1. Warrant Chief Petty Officer
2. Chief Petty Officer
3. Petty Officer
4. Leading Rating
5. Able Rating
6. Ordinary Rating
7. Trainee

Salary Structure of Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Officers of the Nigerian Navy

Many people ask questions like “How much do Nigerian Navy Officers earn per month?” “What is Nigerian Navy Ranks and Salary?”

Well, here’s the answer.

The amount earned by a Naval Officer depends on his/her ranking within the Navy, and whether he or she is a commissioned or non-commissioned officer.

This means that Nigerian Navy ranks and their salaries go hand in hand – the higher the ranking, the higher the amount earned.

Also, commissioned officers generally earn more than non-commissioned officers.

List of Nigerian Navy Ranks and Salary Benefits

Here’s a list of Nigerian navy ranks and salary benefits:

Commissioned Officers of Nigerian Navy Ranks and Salary

• Admiral

Monthly: N1,358,595

Per annum: N16,303,140

• Vice Admiral

Monthly: N1,113,602

Per annum: N13,363,229

• Rear Admiral

Monthly: N1,003,245

Per annum: N12,038,945

• Commodore

Monthly: N615,488

Per annum: N7,385,856

• Captain

Monthly: N309,654

Per annum: N3,715,859

• Commander

Monthly: N281,673

Per annum: 3,380,086

• Lieutenant Commander

Monthly: N230,652

• Lieutenant

Monthly: N195,685

• Sub-Lieutenant

Monthly: N150,625

• Acting Sub-Lieutenant

Monthly: N130,852

• Mid-Shipman

Monthly: N118,835

Non-Commissioned Officers of Nigerian Navy Ranks and Salary

• Warrant Chief Petty Officer

Monthly: N120,853

• Chief Petty Officer

Monthly: N90,825

• Petty Officer

Monthly: N80,852

• Leading Rating

Monthly: N70,855

• Able Rating

Monthly: N50, 855

• Ordinary Rating

Monthly: N45,854

• Trainee

Monthly: N0.00

Asides these salaries, officers of the Nigerian Navy also enjoy other benefits and allowances such as healthcare, travel and security allowances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Nigerian Navy Ranks and Salary

How much does the lowest rank in the Navy make?

The Mid-Shipman which is the lowest rank in the Nigerian Navy earns about N118,835 per month.

What is the lowest rank in Nigeria Navy?

Mid-Shipman

Looking at the Nigerian naval ranks lowest to highest, the Mid-Shipman is the lowest rank in the Nigerian Navy, and the Admiral of the Fleet/Admiral is the highest.

Which force has the highest salary in Nigeria?

The Nigerian Air Force

The sector of the Armed Forces charged with protecting the affairs of the country from the skies is the highest paid of all three sectors.

Here’s a list of the ranks and salaries of the officers of the Nigerian Air Force:

Commissioned Officers of the Nigerian Air Force and their salaries

1. Marshal of the Nigerian Air Force –
2. Air Chief Marshal – N1,724,283
3. Air Marshal – N1,486,451
4. The Air Vice-Marshal – N1,376,343
5. Air Commodore – N677,895
6. Group Captain – N352,631 
7. Wing Commander – N342,586
8. Squadron Leader – N248,004
9. Flight Lieutenant – N232,484
10. Flying Officer – N218,400
11. Pilot Officer – N187,159

Non-Commissioned Officers of the Nigerian Air Force and their Salaries

1. Air Warrant Officer – N171,793
2. Master Warrant Officer – N165,697
3. Warrant Officer – N101,974
4. Flight Sergeant – N87,119
5. Sergeant – N69,261
6. Corporal – N58,634
7. Lance Corporal – N55,832
8. Aircraftman – N53,892
9. Recruit – N10,237

Note that these values represent salaries on a monthly basis.

What is the Nigeria Army salary?

The Nigerian Army is another arm of the Armed Forces, and like the other arms, the officers of the Nigerian Army are charged with protecting the country from external and internal threats when called upon.

The officers of the Nigerian Army risk their lives every day, and so, they are usually paid quite well for their sacrifices and loyalty to the nation.

Here’s a list of Nigerian Army ranks and salary:

Commissioned Officers of the Nigerian Army and their salaries

1. Field Marshal – Unknown
2. General – N1,500,000
3. Lieutenant General – N1,000,000
4. Major General – N950,000
5. Brigadier General – N750,000
6. Colonel – N550,000
7. Lieutenant Colonel – N350,000
8. Major – N300,000
9. Captain – N220,000
10. First Lieutenant – N180,000
11. Second Lieutenant – N120,000

Non-Commissioned Officers of the Nigerian Army and their salaries

1. Master Warrant Officer – N90,000
2. Warrant Office r- N80,000
3. Staff Sergeant – N68,000
4. Sergeant – N63,000
5. Corporal – N58,000
6. Lance Corporal – N55,000
7. Private – N49,000
8. Recruit – N/A

Note that these values represent salaries on a monthly basis.

What does the Nigerian Navy logo look like?

The Navy logo, better known as the insignia is an image that represents the presence and authority of the Nigerian Navy.

It is basically a red eagle sitting on what looks like a ship anchor (to represent the sea), encircled by inscriptions that say “Nigerian Navy Onward Ever.”

What Does the Nigerian Navy Uniform look like?

There are three Nigeria Navy Uniforms: the white, blue, and a grey-white camouflage with a touch of blue.

The white uniform, also known as the Liberty Rig is worn on administrative duties, the blue uniform, or the working rig, is worn by Naval officials for field duties, while the camouflage uniform is worn during combined military missions with the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force.

How Do I join the Nigerian Navy?

Joining the Nigerian Navy is nothing like working at conventional companies or different places.

It is a long-term commitment to Nigeria and its citizens, therefore, it is not a simple process that just anyone can attempt or complete.

Here are some of the requirements to join the Nigerian Navy:

• Age requirement: All applicants should be between 18 – 22 years. However, an age limit of 24 years is allowed for applicants with higher qualifications such as NCE, ICT Professional certificates and so on.
• Certification requirement: At least O’level, GCE, or OND. First (primary) school leaving certificate is also required.
• All applicants must be physically and mentally sound. This will be assessed by mental and physical training.
• Applicants must not be pregnant, married, or with kids at the time of application.
• Nationality must be Nigerian.
• Height requirements: At least 1.7 meters for males and 1.67 meters for females
• Applicants must have no history of orthopedic or musculoskeletal surgery
• Zero criminal history or court conviction

Note that all certificates presented must be in their original form.

Below are more specific educational requirements for applicants into various entry-level positions in the Nigerian Navy:

Marine Engineer Artificers:

OND in Marine or Mechanical Engineering (at least Lower Credit) and must also possess SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits inclusive of English Language, Maths, Physics, and Chemistry.

Weapon Electrical Artificers:

OND in Electrical Electronic Engineering (at least Lower Credit) and must also possess SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits inclusive of English Language, Maths, Physics, and Chemistry.

Aircraft Engineering Artificers (Airframe Engine) Qualification

Diploma in Airframe & Engine recognized by ICAO and must also possess SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits inclusive of English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.

Aircraft Engineering Artificers (Avionics & Aircraft Electrics, Electrical / Electronics):

Certificate/Diploma in Aircraft Electrics & Avionics recognized by ICAO and must possess SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits, inclusive of English Language, Maths, Physics and Chemistry.

Hull Engineer Artificers:

OND in Marine or Mechanical Engineering (at least Lower Credit) and must also possess SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits inclusive of English Language, Maths, Physics and Chemistry.

Marine Engineer Mechanics:

SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits inclusive of English Language, Maths, Physics, and Chemistry. Also, intermediate City & Guilds or Trade Test II could be considered. Technical bias is an advantage.

Weapon Electrical Mechanics:

SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits inclusive of English Language, Maths, Physics, and Chemistry. Also, intermediate City & Guilds or Trade Test II could be considered, technical bias is an advantage.

Computer:

OND in Computer Studies/Computer Science (at least Lower Credit), Desktop Publishing, Office Suite and must also possess 5 Credits inclusive of English Language and Maths.

ICT:

OND in Computer Studies/Computer Science (at least Lower Credit), Computer literacy is compulsory and must possess 5 Credits inclusive of English Language, Maths and Physics.

Proficiency or industry certification in any of the following areas shall be an added advantage:

• Database
• Computer-Aided Design
• Personal Computer Maintenance
• Networking Fundamentals.
• Website Development and Management.
• Programming.

Seaman

SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits. English Language and Mathematics inclusive.

Survey Recorders

OND in Land Survey, Cartography, Geographic Information System (at least Lower Credit) and must also possess SSCE/equivalent with 5 credits inclusive of English Language, Mathematics, Physics or Geography or Technical Drawing.

Physical Training Instructors:

SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits, English Language inclusive. Interest, passion, and proven talents in sporting activities as well as evidence of participation in sports at Secondary School/State/YSFON level is required.

Chaplain Assistants

SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits, including English Language and Christian Religious Knowledge.

Experience level of two years as a clergy/church worker is required, as well as a letter of recommendation by two Clerics/churches recognized by the Nigerian Navy,

Mosque Assistants

SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits inclusive of Arabic, Islamic Religious Knowledge, and English Language.

Experience level of two years as an Imam/Mosque attendant is required, as well as a letter of recommendation by two Islamic clerics/organizations recognized by the Nigerian Navy.

Firemen

SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits. English Language inclusive.

Writers

SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits inclusive of, Mathematics, English Language, Accounts/Economics. Computer skill is compulsory. Also, OND/NCE in Accounts or Secretariat Administration serve as added advantage.

Store Assistants

SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits inclusive of English Language, Mathematics and Economics. Computer skill is an added advantage.

Caterers

SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits inclusive of English Language and Home Management/Food Nutrition. Certificate or Navy proven experience as a Waiter or Steward is an advantage.

Ordinance

Five credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and any other 2 subjects.

Project Technicians

OND in relevant disciplines such as Architecture, Quantity Survey, Civil/ Structure/ Building technology, Electrical/ Mechanical installation, Urban and Rural Planning, Estate Management, Land Economy and must also possess SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits inclusive of English Language, Mathematics and Physics.

Medical Assistants

SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology/ Health Science and Physics.

Medical Records/Health Administration

OND/professional qualification in Medical Records or Health Administration (at least Lower Credit) and must also possess SSCE/equivalent with 5 credits inclusive of English Language, Mathematics and Biology/Health Science.

Physiotherapist, Public Health, Occupational Therapist, Dental Therapist and Dental Lab Assistants

OND/professional Qualification in relevant fields and must also possess SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits In English Language, Chemistry, Biology/Health Science and Maths.

Bandsmen

SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits inclusive of English Language. Certificate in music and proficiency in any musical instrument will be an added advantage.

Drivers/Mechanics

SSCE or Equivalent with 5 credits inclusive of English Language. A current Mechanic apprenticeship certificate and evidence of driving experience as well as a letter of recommendation (as a mechanic) from a past or present employer is required.

Journalists

OND in Mass Communication, Journalism, Photography, Printing Technology, Information Library, Public Relations, Graphic Arts, Film Making, and Cinematography and must also possess SSCE/equivalent with 5 credits inclusive of English Language and Mathematics.

Nurses

Single qualification RN and double qualification in any relevant qualification such as RM, A&E, ENT, Psychiatric, Paediatric, Orthopaedic/Trauma, Ophthalmic, Anesthetic, Public Health, Occupational Health, Nephrology/Dialysis, Theatre Nursing, etc. and must also possess SSCE/equivalent with 5 credits including English Language, Maths, Biology/Health Science, Physics and Chemistry.

Education

NCE in Arts/Science/Technical subjects in addition to SSCE/equivalent with 5 Credits inclusive of English Language and Maths for Science/Technical subjects or 5 credits Including English Language and at least a pass in Maths for Arts subjects.

After checking that all these requirements are in place, you can now apply for recruitment into the Nigerian Navy.

Process for Applying into the Nigerian Navy

Here’s the process for Applying into the Nigerian Navy:

• Log onto www.joinnigeriannavy.com
• Create a personal account on the website. This will require a valid email address which you will need to verify to continue.
• Using your username and password, log onto the website again to access the Nigerian Navy recruitment form.
• You will be required to fill the form with your biodata correctly and also upload all scanned copies of the required documents.
• Properly fill the form and submit it.
• Download the following documents from the website: Application Form, Parent/Guardian Consent Form, Local Government Attestation Form, Police Certification Form, and Guarantor Form and fill them as requested.

After scanning and submitting all the required documents, you will be invited for a written test.

This, however, does not guarantee automatic qualification for a job at the Nigerian Navy.

Upon passing this test, you will be called for an interview/screening which will cover many things including the verification of your certificates, physical and medical tests, as well as written and oral examinations.

The following documents are expected to be with you during the interview:

• Certificate of Local Government of Origin
• Birth Certificate/Declaration of Age
• 4 recent passport photographs
• Federal Ministry of Authentication of Foreign Certificates
• NYSC Discharge/Exemption Certificate

Other items you should take along to the interview include:

• Two bed sheets and pillowcases each
• Writing materials
• Driver’s License (for Driving applicants only)
• A set of cutlery
• Toiletries
• Three pairs of plain white shirts and navy blue shorts
• A pair of white canvas shoes

The afore-mentioned process of joining Nigerian Navy may be subject to some slight changes. However, this is the usual process.

Note: The declaration or presentation of fake credentials, certificates, or details, be it medical, academic, or any other may be considered a criminal act, which may lead to prosecution by the civil police and of course, disqualification from the recruitment process.

Also, the refusal to attend the screening event leads to automatic disqualification from the recruitment process.

Post-Screening Process

After successfully passing the activities of the screening- including the examination, you will be moved to the Nigerian Navy Secondary School (Navy Town), Lagos.

This begins your journey to the world of the Nigerian Navy.

What are the Major Nigerian Navy Departments?

There are four major Nigerian Navy Departments and they are:

1. Logistics
2. Marine Engineering
3. Operations
4. Weapon Engineering

Some of the other Nigerian Navy Departments are:

• Accounts and Budgets
• Education
• Human Resource Management
• Naval Information
• Legal Services
• Medical
• Sports

Final Thoughts

Many people dream to join Nigerian Navy and it is a good thing.

After gaining entry-level positions in the Nigerian Navy, the next step is to move up the ranks and moving up the ranks in Nigerian Navy.

It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and consistency.

The Nigerian Navy plays a vital role in the protection of the interests of the Nigerian government and its citizens, and with the help of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria can become one of the safest places on earth. 

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