Air Force (NAF) vs Army vs Nigerian Navy Ranks & Salary Structure in 2025: Full Comparison

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Military And Defence
Armed Forces Guide
Nigeria

Air Force (Naf) Vs Army Vs Nigerian Navy Ranks & Salary Structure In 2025: Full Comparison

Aug 19, 2025
Brandi

Are you considering joining the Nigerian military but not sure which branch offers the best pay and career growth? Whether it's the Nigerian Army, Navy, or Air Force (NAF), each force follows a similar structure — but with slight differences in roles, uniforms, and salary ranges.

This 2025 verified guide compares:

Ranks (from lowest to highest)
Monthly salary for enlisted and commissioned officers
Entry-level pay based on SSCE, OND, HND, and BSc qualifications
Benefits and allowances across the three branches

Military Ranks: Army vs Navy vs Air Force (NAF)

Although their naming may vary slightly, all three branches follow commissioned officer and non-commissioned officer (NCO) structures.

Commissioned Officer Rank Comparison

Rank Level	Army	Navy	Air Force (NAF)
Entry Officer Rank	Second Lieutenant	Midshipman	Pilot Officer
Junior Officer	Lieutenant	Sub-Lieutenant	Flying Officer
Intermediate Officer	Captain	Lieutenant	Flight Lieutenant
Senior Officer	Major	Lieutenant Commander	Squadron Leader
Executive Officer	Lieutenant Colonel	Commander	Wing Commander
Top Command	Colonel	Captain	Group Captain
Generals/Admirals	Brig. Gen → Gen	Commodore → Admiral	Air Commodore → Air Chief Marshal

Non-Commissioned Rank Comparison (Enlisted)

Rank Level	Army	Navy	Air Force (NAF)
Entry Rank	Recruit	Trainee	Aircraftman
Basic Trained Rank	Private	Ordinary Seaman	Lance Corporal
Mid-Level Rank	Corporal	Able Seaman	Corporal
Upper NCO	Sergeant	Leading Seaman	Sergeant
Senior NCO	Warrant Officer	Petty Officer	Warrant Officer
Top NCO	Master Warrant	Master Chief PO	Master Warrant Officer

Salary Comparison in 2025: Army vs Navy vs Air Force

The salary range is generally similar across the three forces, though operational bonuses and allowances can vary.

Entry-Level Salary (SSCE/OND)

Rank	Army	Navy	Air Force (NAF)
Recruit/Trainee	₦50,000/month	₦50,000/month	₦53,000/month
Private/Seaman	₦57,000/month	₦58,000/month	₦57,000/month

Mid-Level Salary (NCOs and Technicians)

Rank	Army	Navy	Air Force (NAF)
Sergeant	₦75,000 – ₦85,000	₦78,000 – ₦90,000	₦80,000 – ₦95,000
Warrant Officer	₦100,000+	₦105,000+	₦110,000+

Commissioned Officer Salary (BSc/HND Entry)

Rank	Army	Navy	Air Force (NAF)
Lieutenant (or equivalent)	₦160,000 – ₦180,000	₦165,000 – ₦185,000	₦170,000 – ₦190,000
Captain / Navy Lieutenant	₦220,000 – ₦240,000	₦230,000 – ₦250,000	₦225,000 – ₦250,000
Major / Lt. Commander	₦280,000 – ₦300,000	₦290,000 – ₦310,000	₦290,000 – ₦320,000

At a Glance – Which Force Pays More?

Force	Entry Pay (SSCE)	Graduate Officer Pay	Allowances & Perks
Army	₦50k – ₦57k	₦160k – ₦240k	Good housing, combat bonus
Navy	₦50k – ₦58k	₦165k – ₦250k	Sea duty, risk allowance
Air Force (NAF)	₦53k – ₦57k	₦170k – ₦250k	Technical bonus, flying bonus

Other Benefits Across All Forces

Free housing or housing allowance
Medical care (self + family)
Pension and gratuity plans
Uniform and boot allowance
Annual leave and travel allowance
Risk/combat duty pay (depending on posting)
Training opportunities (home and abroad)

FAQs – Salary & Rank Comparison

1. Which force pays the highest starting salary?

The Air Force offers slightly higher pay for graduate officers due to technical and aviation-related allowances.

2. Can I switch between Army, Navy, and Air Force?

No. Each branch has its own recruitment and training system. Transfers are rare and only on extreme official request.

3. Do all forces offer DSSC & SSC?

Yes. The Army, Navy, and Air Force all conduct Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) yearly for graduates.

4. Can I apply to multiple forces?

Yes — but not at the same time. Apply only when a particular branch opens its portal.

5. Which is easier to join?

It depends on your qualification, fitness, and recruitment slot availability. All forces have similar competitive processes.

Conclusion

In 2025, the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force all offer great careers — but your starting salary and benefits will vary slightly based on your role and qualifications.