The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is the principal law enforcement agency in Nigeria, tasked with maintaining law and order, enforcing laws, and protecting lives and property. Like many security agencies, the Nigerian Police operates under a structured ranking system, and officers are remunerated based on their ranks, qualifications, and years of service. This article delves into the current ranks in the Nigerian Police, their salary structure, the allowances received, and how academic qualifications determine an officer’s entry rank and salary just like that of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force.
You can read our previous articles on the Nigerian Army Salary and Ranks, Nigerian Navy ranks and salary and the Nigerian Air Force ranks and salary.
Nigerian Police Salary and Ranks According to Qualifications
When an someone joins the Nigerian Police Force, the qualification they possess largely determines the rank at which they are enlisted and the salary they earn. For example,
- SSCE (Senior Secondary School Certificate) Holders
Those who enter the force with SSCE certificates (WAEC, NECO) are recruited as Police Constables. They are usually the lowest rank in the police hierarchy and form the bulk of the workforce. Their monthly salary ranges from ₦43,000 to ₦47,000, depending on the years of service and step within the grade. - NCE (National Certificate in Education) & ND (National Diploma) Holders
Candidates with NCE or ND are recruited as Cadet Inspectors. They start higher than SSCE holders and may enjoy better remuneration and promotion prospects. The monthly salary for Cadet Inspectors begins from approximately ₦73,000 to ₦87,000, depending on other factors like posting and years of service. - HND (Higher National Diploma) Holders
HND holders are also recruited as Cadet ASPs (Assistant Superintendent of Police), although sometimes they may start as Inspectors, depending on the recruitment cycle and internal policy. Their starting salary is around ₦127,000 to ₦136,000 per month. - BSc (Bachelor’s Degree) Holders
Graduates from universities with a BSc or its equivalent are usually enrolled as Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). Upon completion of training, they are confirmed as ASPs. Their starting monthly salary ranges between ₦130,000 and ₦150,000, depending on allowances and deductions.
Nigerian Police Ranks and Their Monthly Salaries
Below is a breakdown of the current Nigerian Police ranks from the highest to the lowest, along with their estimated monthly salaries:
- Inspector General of Police (IGP) – ₦751,498
- Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) – ₦586,572
- Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) – ₦540,751
- Commissioner of Police (CP) – ₦302,970
- Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) – ₦278,852
- Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) – ₦252,938
- Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) – ₦240,723
- Superintendent of Police (SP) – ₦227,616
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) – ₦210,399
- Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) – ₦196,318
- Inspector of Police (IP) – ₦127,135
- Sergeant Major (SM) – ₦102,204
- Sergeant – ₦95,973
- Corporal – ₦91,113
- Constable Grade Level 10 (CGL10) – ₦87,254
- Constable Grade Level 03 (CGL03) – ₦83,293
Please note that these salaries may vary slightly based on adjustments by the government, special duty assignments, or location-based enhancements.
Allowances Paid to Nigerian Police Officers
In addition to the basic salary, officers of the Nigerian Police Force are entitled to various allowances to support them in carrying out their duties. These allowances may include:
- Housing Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Risk Allowance (for hazardous duties)
- Uniform Allowance
- Medical Allowance
- Duty Tour Allowance (DTA)
- Detective Allowance (for officers in investigative roles)
- Hardship Allowance (for those posted in conflict zones or difficult terrains)
Please note that some of these allowances are no more been paid to the Nigerian Police force according to source but majority of them are still been paid.
For example, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) may receive up to ₦40,000–₦60,000 in additional monthly allowances depending on their assignment, while lower ranks like Constables may receive ₦10,000–₦20,000.
Apart from the allowances mentioned above, there is one other major allowance known as Nigerian Police Training Allowance.
Nigerian Police Force Training Allowance
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) offers structured training programs for aspiring officers, with trainees receiving monthly allowances throughout their training. These allowances vary depending on the applicants educational qualification and training duration.
Below is a breakdown of how much is paid to police trainees according to their academic qualifications:
1. SSCE Holders (Recruits)
- Monthly Allowance: ₦10,000 – ₦13,000
- Training Duration: 6 to 9 months
- Details: This category includes individuals with a Senior Secondary School Certificate. They are trained as Police Constables and receive a basic allowance to support their upkeep during the training.
2. NCE and ND Holders
- Monthly Allowance: ₦13,000 – ₦17,000
- Training Duration: 6 to 9 months
- Details: Those with a National Certificate in Education (NCE) or a National Diploma (ND) may be recruited into slightly higher positions than SSCE holders, such as Corporals or Sergeants, depending on the recruitment scheme. Their allowance is slightly higher due to their higher qualifications.
3. HND Holders
- Monthly Allowance: ₦15,000 – ₦20,000
- Training Duration: 9 to 12 months
- Details: Higher National Diploma (HND) holders can be recruited as Cadet Inspectors or Cadet ASPs, depending on their performance and the recruitment batch. They receive higher allowances reflecting their academic level and training requirements.
4. University Degree Holders (Cadet ASPs)
- Monthly Allowance: ₦15,000 – ₦25,000
- Training Duration: 12 months
- Details: Graduates joining the force as Cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police undergo a one-year program at a Police College. Their allowance is the highest among short-term trainees.
5. Nigerian Police Academy Cadets (POLAC Students)
- Monthly Allowance: ₦25,000 – ₦50,000
- Training Duration: 5 years
- Details: These cadets undergo an extensive program that combines academics and police training. The allowance increases progressively through the five years. Upon graduation, they are commissioned as Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP).
Other Benefits During Training
Regardless of qualification, all trainees are entitled to:
- Free accommodation and feeding
- Free uniforms and training materials
- Access to medical services
- Insurance coverage during the training period.
The Nigerian Police Force offers a structured career path with rank progression tied to years of service, performance, and educational qualification. While the salary structure may seem low compared to the demands of the job, it is supplemented with allowances that improve with seniority. Additionally, officers with higher educational qualifications stand a chance of faster promotion and better remuneration.
For the past years, the Nigerian Police force salary was lower than this. It was after the minimum wage review that the salary came up to this structure. There have been recent calls for salary reviews and better welfare for officers, given the nature of their work and the risks involved. A better-paid and well-motivated police force is essential for enhancing internal security and fostering public trust in law enforcement in Nigeria that’s why it has some little changes.
