Military doctors in Nigeria are highly respected professionals who serve both in uniform and in critical healthcare roles within the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

If you're a medical graduate considering a career in the military—or just curious—this post breaks down the official monthly salary structure of military doctors in Nigeria in 2025, including entry-level pay, rank progression, and allowances.

What Determines a Military Doctor’s Salary in Nigeria?

A military doctor’s salary depends on the following:

• Their rank (they start as commissioned officers)

• Years of service in the military

• Specialty (general medicine, surgery, psychiatry, etc.)

• Whether they were recruited through DSSC (Direct Short Service)

• Military branch: Army, Navy, or Air Force

Military Doctor Salary Per Month in Nigeria (2025)

Estimated Monthly Salary by Rank

Note: These figures apply across all branches — Army, Navy, and Air Force — and reflect consolidated pay (excluding additional bonuses).

Entry Pathway for Military Doctors

To become a military doctor in Nigeria:

• You must have an MBBS/BDS degree from a recognized institution

• Be registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)

• Apply through the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC)

• Pass the military screening and physical fitness test

Allowances and Benefits

Military doctors are entitled to various monetary and non-monetary benefits, making their total compensation higher than regular doctors in many public hospitals.

Major Allowances:

Career Progression

Military doctors are promoted based on:

• Years of service

• Further medical training (e.g. postgraduate studies)

• Performance during deployment

• Passing military promotional exams

With time, a military doctor can rise to senior ranks like Colonel or Brigadier General, and even become Consultants or Directors of Military Medical Services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do military doctors go to war zones?

Yes, during national or international operations, they may be deployed to field hospitals or emergency bases. However, their roles remain medical in nature.

Q: Can a medical student apply for DSSC?

No. You must have completed your medical degree and housemanship, and be fully registered with MDCN before applying.

Q: Do military doctors earn more than civilian doctors?

In many cases, yes, because of housing, allowances, job security, and structured career progression.

Q: Is military medicine a long-term career in Nigeria?

Absolutely. Many doctors spend decades in the military and retire with pension benefits, often after holding high-ranking medical roles.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a military doctor in Nigeria in 2025 is a prestigious, well-paid, and stable career path. With monthly salaries starting around ₦200,000 and rising significantly with rank and years of service, plus bonuses, free housing, and medical coverage, it's a path worth considering for qualified medical professionals.

Whether you want to serve in the Army, Navy, or Air Force, the Nigerian military offers a unique blend of patriotism, professionalism, and progress.