Understanding the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army is crucial for anyone interested in joining or learning more about the military. The Nigerian Army is the land warfare branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces, alongside the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force. It is responsible for protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity against internal and external threats.
In this guide, we break down all the ranks in the Nigerian Army, including their insignias, monthly salary ranges, and their historical roots.
History of the Nigerian Army Ranks
The Nigerian Army traces its origins back to 1863, when British Naval Officer Lt. John Glover formed a militia group known as “Glover’s Hausas”. Initially created to protect British trade routes, the group evolved into the West African Frontier Force and later into the modern Nigerian Army.
The rank structure draws from the British military tradition, with one significant modification: the use of the Nigerian eagle (from the national Coat of Arms) instead of the British crown for senior officer insignias (Major and above). Some titles may refer to specific appointments rather than ranks.
Commissioned Officer Ranks
Commissioned officers are trained graduates from military academies and hold leadership roles. There are 11 ranks in this category:
1. Second Lieutenant
- Insignia: One star
- Salary: ₦187,159 (highest), ₦173,156 (lowest)
2. Lieutenant
- Insignia: Two stars
- Salary: ₦218,400 (highest), ₦187,992 (lowest)
3. Captain
- Insignia: Three stars
- Salary: ₦232,484 (highest), ₦200,336 (lowest)
4. Major
- Insignia: One eagle
- Salary: ₦248,004 (highest), ₦213,246 (lowest)
5. Lieutenant Colonel
- Insignia: One eagle and one star
- Salary: ₦324,586 (highest), ₦282,573 (lowest)
READ MORE: List of Chief of Defence Staff in Nigeria (1980 Till Date)
6. Colonel
- Insignia: One eagle and two stars (vertically aligned)
- Salary: ₦352,631 (highest), ₦310,554 (lowest)
7. Brigadier General
- Insignia: One eagle and three stars (triangular shape)
- Salary: ₣677,895 (highest), ₣616,388 (lowest)
8. Major General
- Insignia: Eagle above a baton and sword
- Salary: ₦1,376,343 (highest), ₦1,003,245 (lowest)
9. Lieutenant General
- Insignia: Eagle, one star, and a baton and sword (vertically aligned)
- Salary: ₦1,486,451 (highest), ₦1,113,602 (lowest)
10. General
- Insignia: Eagle, two stars, baton and sword (vertically aligned)
- Salary: ₦1,724,803 (highest), ₦1,113,602 (lowest)
11. Field Marshal
- Insignia: Eagle atop a crossed sword and baton, surrounded by a wreath
- Note: This is the highest rank but is honorary. No Nigerian officer has yet attained it.
Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Ranks
These ranks are for enlisted personnel who have risen through the ranks. They play critical operational roles.
1. Army Warrant Officer (Force RSM, Chief Warrant Officer)
- Salary: ₦171,793 (highest), ₦159,059 (lowest)
2. Master Warrant Officer (Regimental Sergeant Major)
- Salary: ₦165,697 (highest), ₦148,583 (lowest)
3. Warrant Officer (Company Sergeant Major)
- Salary: ₦101,974 (highest), ₦85,193 (lowest)
4. Staff Sergeant
- Salary: ₦87,119 (highest), ₦69,647 (lowest)
5. Sergeant
- Salary: ₦56,443 (highest), ₦69,261 (lowest)
6. Corporal
- Salary: ₦58,638 (highest), ₦51,980 (lowest)
7. Lance Corporal
- Salary: ₦55,832 (highest), ₦50,326 (lowest)
8. Private (No insignia)
- Salary: ₦53,892 (highest), ₦49,412 (lowest)
9. Recruit (No insignia)
- Salary: ₦10,237
Below are the researched and enhanced H2 sections designed to boost clarity, SEO, and user engagement for your article on Nigerian Army ranks:
How Are Ranks Assigned in the Nigerian Army?
Promotions in the Nigerian Army are grounded in a structured, merit-based system overseen by promotion boards at various levels. Key criteria include:
- Length of Service and Time-in-Grade: Soldiers typically spend a minimum of five years in one rank before eligibility for the next.
- Performance & Discipline: Promotions depend heavily on individual evaluations, leadership quality, and conduct in duties.
- Examinations & Education: Advancement requires passing military exams and having relevant educational or professional qualifications .
- Merit-Based Decisions: Promotion boards, made up of senior officers, assess candidates based on operational achievements, competencies, and seniority.
Together, these ensure a fair promotion process combining experience, performance, and training.
Differences Between Commissioned and Non‑Commissioned Officers
Understanding the distinction between these two groups is vital:
| Feature | Commissioned Officers | Non‑Commissioned Officers (NCOs) |
|---|---|---|
| Education/Training | Graduate-level training (e.g., NDA or DSSC) | Enlisted and trained through military school |
| Roles | Strategic planning, leadership, officer command | Tactical leadership, training junior soldiers |
| Promotion Path | Based on academic qualifications and service | Progress through grades via performance |
| Insignia Level | Stars, eagles, swords—indicative of command rank | Stripes, badges, and breast insignia |
Commissioned officers typically begin as Second Lieutenants, while NCOs rise from Private through Warrant Officer ranks, playing crucial operational roles.
Nigerian Army Rank Insignia Chart (Visual Guide)
Though visuals add clarity, here’s a text-based summary of insignia:
- Stars Only: (2LT = 1 star; LT = 2; CPT = 3)
- Eagles: (MAJ and above use the Nigerian eagle instead of UK crown)
- Flag Officer Symbols: Include swords, batons, and star variations for senior ranks
- NCO Insignia: Range from stripes (Lance Corporal) up to eagles (Warrant Officers)
Consider adding a simple infographic or table for readability.
Monthly Salary Structure of Nigerian Army Personnel (2025 Update)
Updated approximate salaries from various sources:
Commissioned Officers
- Second Lieutenant: ₦120k – ₦187k
- Lieutenant: ₦180k – ₦218k
- Captain: ₦220k – ₦232k
- Major: ₦300k – ₦248k
- Lt. Colonel: ₦350k – ₦324k
- Colonel: ₦550k – ₦352k
- Brigadier General: ₦750k – ₦678k
- Major General: ₦950k – ₦1.38M
- Lieutenant General: ₦1.0M – ₦1.49M
- General: ₦1.5M – ₦1.724M
- Field Marshal: Ceremonial, rarely used
Non‑Commissioned Officers
- Private: ₦50k – ₦54k
- Lance Corporal: ₦57k – ₦56k
- Corporal to Sergeant: ₦60k – ₦70k+
- Staff Sergeant: ₦80k+
- Warrant Officers: ₦95k – ₦180k
These reflect base pay and may exclude allowances (housing, travel, etc.).
Nigerian Army vs Navy & Air Force: Rank Comparisons
The Nigerian Army shares a similar ranking hierarchy with the Nigerian Navy and Air Force:
| Army Rank | Navy Equivalent | Air Force Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant | Sub-Lieutenant | Pilot Officer |
| Lieutenant | Lieutenant | Flying Officer |
| Captain | Lieutenant Commander | Flight Lieutenant |
| Major | Commander | Squadron Leader |
| Lt. Colonel | Captain (Naval) | Wing Commander |
| Colonel | Commodore | Group Captain |
| Brig. General | Rear Admiral (Lower Half) | Air Commodore |
| Major General | Rear Admiral | Air Vice Marshal |
| Lieutenant General | Vice Admiral | Air Marshal |
| General | Admiral | Air Chief Marshal |
Adding this helps capture cross-service audiences and search terms.
Career Progression in the Nigerian Army
A typical career journey:
- Entry Routes: NDA Regular, Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC), Short Service Commission (SSC)
- Training: 5-year NDA course for Regular Commission; DSSC/SSC are shorter
- Initial Rank: Graduates commissioned as Second Lieutenants
- Promotions: Time-in-grade (minimum ~5 years), exams, board recommendations
- Merit-Based Moves: Leadership performance, operational excellence, specialist qualifications
- Senior Levels: Flag officers chosen by Army Council after distinguished service — recent promotions included 108 senior officers
FAQs About Nigerian Army Ranks & Promotions
- What is the highest active rank?
General is the highest active rank; Field Marshal is honorary. - Can NCOs become commissioned officers?
Yes — through programs like concessional commission, though limited compared to graduating via NDA. - How long to become a Colonel?
Typically requires 15+ years of service, assuming regular promotions and board approvals. - Are promotions merit-based?
Yes — based on service length, exams, performance, and board discretion, though challenges like favoritism have been noted .
Conclusion
The Nigerian Army’s rank structure plays a critical role in maintaining order, discipline, and chain of command. From entry-level recruits to high-ranking generals, each position carries distinct responsibilities and respect. Whether you’re looking to join or simply understand the military landscape, knowing these ranks offers deeper insight into how the Nigerian Army functions.
