The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is one of the most important paramilitary agencies in Nigeria, responsible for revenue generation, border security, and enforcement of trade laws. But beyond its duties, many Nigerians are curious about how much Customs officers actually earn.
In this 2025 official guide, we break down the NCS rank structure and monthly salary scale, including what you can expect if you're applying with SSCE, OND, NCE, HND, or BSc.
The Nigerian Customs Service salary is calculated based on:
Rank
Qualifications
Years of service
Duty allowance
Officers are paid monthly and also receive bonuses, housing allowances, uniforms, and in some cases, risk allowances.
Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) |
---|---|
Comptroller-General | ₦2,800,000 – ₦3,200,000 |
Deputy Comptroller-General | ₦2,200,000 – ₦2,700,000 |
Assistant Comptroller-General | ₦1,800,000 – ₦2,300,000 |
Comptroller | ₦1,500,000 – ₦1,900,000 |
Deputy Comptroller | ₦1,200,000 – ₦1,500,000 |
Assistant Comptroller | ₦900,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
Chief Superintendent of Customs | ₦700,000 – ₦950,000 |
Superintendent of Customs | ₦600,000 – ₦800,000 |
Deputy Superintendent of Customs | ₦500,000 – ₦700,000 |
Assistant Superintendent I | ₦420,000 – ₦550,000 |
Assistant Superintendent II | ₦370,000 – ₦500,000 |
Inspector of Customs | ₦200,000 – ₦350,000 |
Assistant Inspector of Customs I | ₦180,000 – ₦280,000 |
Assistant Inspector of Customs II | ₦160,000 – ₦250,000 |
Customs Assistant I | ₦130,000 – ₦180,000 |
Customs Assistant II | ₦100,000 – ₦150,000 |
Customs Assistant III | ₦90,000 – ₦110,000 |
Note: These figures are estimates based on 2025 payment adjustments in line with federal compensation reviews.
Qualification | Starting Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) |
---|---|---|
BSc / HND | Assistant Superintendent II | ₦370,000 – ₦500,000 |
OND / NCE | Assistant Inspector | ₦160,000 – ₦280,000 |
SSCE | Customs Assistant III | ₦90,000 – ₦110,000 |
Aside from the basic salary, Customs officers receive:
Housing allowance
Uniform and boot allowance
Transport and duty allowance
Leave allowance
Medical care
Pension and gratuity
Hazard/risk allowance (for officers in high-risk zones)
Customs officers are promoted based on:
Years of service
Performance in internal exams
Discipline and integrity
Ongoing training and certifications
Promotion typically comes with salary increments and additional allowances.
Category | Salary Range (₦) |
---|---|
Senior Officers | ₦700,000 – ₦3,200,000 |
Mid-Level Officers | ₦370,000 – ₦700,000 |
Junior Officers | ₦90,000 – ₦350,000 |
Q1: What is the starting salary for Customs officers with SSCE?
A: About ₦90,000 to ₦110,000 per month at the rank of Customs Assistant III.
Q2: Do Customs officers get bonuses?
A: Yes, bonuses and allowances are part of their total earnings, including risk and housing benefits.
Q3: Is the Customs salary structure affected by the new minimum wage?
A: Yes. Salaries were reviewed upward in 2025 to align with federal wage increases, though not explicitly tied to minimum wage levels.
Q4: Can BSc holders earn more than ₦500,000 monthly?
A: Yes, as they get promoted, their salary increases—especially once they reach superintendent levels.
Q5: What’s the highest-paid rank in Customs?
A: Comptroller-General, earning between ₦2.8 million and ₦3.2 million monthly.
The Nigeria Customs Service offers competitive salaries, job security, and multiple allowances for all officers—regardless of entry point. Whether you're applying with an SSCE, OND, or a university degree, there's room to grow and earn well within the NCS.
If you’d like a full recruitment guide or past exam questions to prepare, just let me know and I’ll help you get started!