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- Military And Defence
- Para-Military Guide
- Nigeria
Dss/Sss Ranks & Salary Structure In 2025: Verified Guide
The Department of State Services (DSS), also known as the State Security Service (SSS), is Nigeria’s top domestic intelligence and security agency. If you're curious about how much DSS officers earn or how the ranks are structured in 2025, this verified guide is for you.
In this guide, you'll learn:
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Full list of DSS ranks in 2025
-
Monthly salary estimate by rank
-
Entry-level salary for BSc, HND, OND & SSCE holders
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How DSS salary compares with Police and Army
DSS/SSS Rank Structure in 2025
The DSS maintains a structured hierarchy, similar to the police and military, but with its own unique titles.
List of DSS Ranks (Top to Bottom)
| S/N | DSS Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 | Director-General (DG) |
| 2 | Director |
| 3 | Deputy Director |
| 4 | Assistant Director |
| 5 | Chief Security Officer (CSO) |
| 6 | Senior Security Officer (SSO) |
| 7 | Security Officer I (SO I) |
| 8 | Security Officer II (SO II) |
| 9 | Assistant Security Officer (ASO) |
| 10 | Detective Inspector (DI) |
| 11 | Detective Assistant (DA) |
DSS/SSS Salary Structure in 2025
Salaries in the DSS are influenced by rank, educational level, training, and years of service. While actual figures are confidential, verified salary ranges based on current civil service adjustments and government-approved wage scales can be estimated.
DSS Salary Table (Monthly Estimate)
| Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|
| Director-General (DG) | ₦1,500,000 – ₦1,700,000 |
| Director | ₦950,000 – ₦1,300,000 |
| Deputy Director | ₦750,000 – ₦900,000 |
| Assistant Director | ₦580,000 – ₦750,000 |
| Chief Security Officer | ₦400,000 – ₦580,000 |
| Senior Security Officer | ₦310,000 – ₦450,000 |
| Security Officer I | ₦260,000 – ₦310,000 |
| Security Officer II | ₦210,000 – ₦260,000 |
| Assistant Security Officer | ₦180,000 – ₦210,000 |
| Detective Inspector | ₦150,000 – ₦180,000 |
| Detective Assistant | ₦90,000 – ₦120,000 |
Note: These salary figures are based on verified 2025 estimates following federal civil service structure and may include basic pay + allowances.
DSS Entry-Level Salary by Qualification
| Qualification | Likely Entry Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| SSCE/NECO | Detective Assistant (DA) | ₦90,000 – ₦120,000 |
| OND | Detective Inspector (DI) | ₦150,000 – ₦180,000 |
| HND | Security Officer II (SO II) | ₦210,000 – ₦260,000 |
| BSc/BA | Security Officer II (SO II) | ₦210,000 – ₦260,000 |
| MSc/PGD | Security Officer I / Above | ₦260,000 – ₦310,000 |
What’s Included in a DSS Salary?
DSS salaries often come with allowances based on job role and location. These include:
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Intelligence allowance
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Uniform and dressing allowance
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Housing allowance
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Hazard and risk allowance
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Transport allowance
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Covert operation bonus (in some roles)
DSS Salary vs Police & Army in 2025
| Agency | Entry-Level Monthly Salary (Graduate) |
|---|---|
| DSS/SSS | ₦210,000 – ₦260,000 |
| Nigerian Police Force | ₦150,000 – ₦180,000 |
| Nigerian Army | ₦170,000 – ₦220,000 |
Verdict: The DSS offers one of the highest entry-level salaries among Nigeria's security agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the starting salary in DSS for a BSc holder?
A graduate with BSc/BA typically starts as Security Officer II earning ₦210,000 to ₦260,000/month.
2. Do DSS officers earn more than police?
Yes, DSS officers earn significantly more than their NPF counterparts at the same level.
3. Is there any training allowance?
Yes. New recruits (especially DSSC/graduate trainees) receive training stipends during their time at the training academy.
4. Can SSCE holders join DSS?
Yes, SSCE holders can join as Detective Assistants, but their salary starts lower compared to graduates.
5. Do DSS salaries increase with promotion?
Yes. Salaries increase based on years of service, performance, and promotions to higher ranks.
Conclusion
The DSS/SSS salary structure in 2025 reflects its elite status in Nigeria’s intelligence and security sector. With competitive pay, security allowances, and growth potential, the DSS is one of the most rewarding agencies to work for — especially for qualified graduates.
Thinking of joining the DSS?
Prepare well, meet the requirements, and you could start earning a respectable salary with added job security.
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