The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is one of Nigeria’s paramilitary agencies responsible for protecting lives, property, and national infrastructure. The organization was established under the Ministry of Interior, the NSCDC operates alongside other security agencies and plays an important role in maintaining internal security. Understanding the NSCDC ranks and salary structure is very important for those who aspire to join the force or want to learn somethings about the organization’s internal structure.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the NSCDC ranks, salaries, and allowances. It also explains how academic qualifications influence the entry ranks and salaries of new recruits just like the Nigerian Immigration Service ranks and salary.
Entry Level Ranks and Salary Based on Qualifications
In the NSCDC, the qualification with which a person joins determines their entry rank and the corresponding salary scale. Below is the breakdown of what new recruits can expect based on their educational qualifications:
1. SSCE (WAEC/NECO) Certificate Holders
- Entry Rank: Corps Assistant (CA) Cadre – Level 3 or 4
- Estimated Monthly Salary: ₦80,000 – ₦90,000
- Job Role: Basic security duties under supervision.
SSCE holders are recruited into the lowest ranks and may rise through the ranks over time with further training and years of service.
2. National Diploma (ND) and Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) Holders
- Entry Rank: Assistant Inspector of Corps (AIC) – Level 6
- Estimated Monthly Salary: ₦100,000 – ₦110,000
- Job Role: Intermediate roles, possibly supervising lower-ranking officers.
ND and NCE holders enter the force with a slightly higher status and may get promoted faster, especially if they undergo additional professional development.
3. Higher National Diploma (HND) Holders
- Entry Rank: Inspector of Corps (IC) – Level 7
- Estimated Monthly Salary: ₦110,000 – ₦120,000
- Job Role: Supervisory roles, administrative functions, and technical responsibilities.
HND holders may enjoy quicker access to senior commissioned roles within the system.
4. Bachelor’s Degree (BSc/BA) Holders
- Entry Rank: Assistant Superintendent of Corps II (ASC II) – Level 8
- Estimated Monthly Salary: ₦120,000 – ₦140,000
- Job Role: Officer-level duties involving strategy, supervision, and coordination.
University graduates are commissioned as officers and placed on a management track that prepares them for leadership roles in the Corps. Now let’s look at the complete NSCDC Ranks and their salary structure.
Complete NSCDC Ranks Structure
The NSCDC operates with a rank system similar to other paramilitary agencies in Nigeria. Below is the salary structure from the lowest to the highest:
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs):
- Corps Assistant (CA) II – Level 3
- Corps Assistant (CA) I – Level 4
- Senior Corps Assistant (SCA) – Level 5
- Assistant Inspector of Corps (AIC) – Level 6
- Inspector of Corps (IC) – Level 7
- Senior Inspector of Corps (SIC)
- Chief Inspector of Corps (CIC)
Commissioned Officers:
- Assistant Superintendent of Corps II (ASC II) – Level 8
- Assistant Superintendent of Corps I (ASC I) – Level 9
- Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) – Level 10
- Superintendent of Corps (SC) – Level 11
- Chief Superintendent of Corps (CSC) – Level 12
- Assistant Commander of Corps (ACC) – Level 13
- Deputy Commander of Corps (DCC) – Level 14
- Commander of Corps (CC) – Level 15
- Assistant Commandant General (ACG) – Level 16
- Deputy Commandant General (DCG) – Top Management
- Commandant General (CG) – Highest Rank
The Commandant General is the head of the NSCDC and is appointed by the President of Nigeria.
NSCDC Ranks And Salary Structure
Below is what NSCDC officers earn monthly based on their rank:
- Corps Assistant (CA) – ₦80,000 – ₦90,000
- Assistant Inspector (AIC) – ₦100,000 – ₦110,000
- Inspector of Corps (IC) – ₦110,000 – ₦1200,000
- ASC II – ₦120,000 – ₦140,000
- ASC I – ₦140,000 – ₦160,000
- DSC – ₦160,000 – ₦170,000
- SC – ₦170,000 – ₦180,000
- CSC – ₦180,000 – ₦190,000
- ACC – ₦190,000 – ₦200,000
- DCC – ₦200,000 – ₦240,000
- CC – ₦240,000 – ₦250,000
- ACG – ₦300,000+
- DCG – ₦450,000+
- CG (Commandant General) – ₦500,000 – ₦700,000+
Note: These figures are estimates and may vary depending on location, years of service, and internal salary adjustments.
Allowances Paid to NSCDC Officers
In addition to their basic salaries, NSCDC officers receive various allowances, which help improve their take-home pay and welfare. These allowances may include:
- Housing Allowance – Depending on rank and posting location.
- Uniform Allowance – Covers uniforms, boots, and gear.
- Transport Allowance – For officers deployed outside their base.
- Medical Allowance – Healthcare support for officers and sometimes their dependents.
- Risk/Hardship Allowance – For officers deployed to dangerous or volatile zones.
- Duty Tour Allowance – When on official duty outside base locations.
- Training Allowance – When undergoing internal or external professional courses.
The higher the rank, the more the allowances. Some officers in strategic roles or special units may also receive intelligence or operational incentives
NSCDC Training Allowance
SSCE Holders (Assistant Cadre): Typically receive between ₦10,000 and ₦18,000 per month during training.
ND/HND Holders (Inspectorate Cadre): Generally earn between ₦18,000 and ₦30,000 monthly.
BSc Holders (Superintendent Cadre): May receive allowances ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦40,000 per month.
The NSCDC offers a structured salary and ranking system that reflects academic qualifications, length of service, and responsibility. From SSCE holders to university graduates, every recruit has a defined entry point and career path. While the basic salary may not seem very high, but as you grow in ranks, your salary will also grow. And also the additional allowances and the opportunity for growth make the NSCDC an attractive career choice for many Nigerians.
If you are interested in joining the Corps, ensure you meet the recruitment requirements and understand the rank you’re likely to obtain based on your qualifications. It’s not just a job, it’s a service to the nation.
