Nigeria Immigration Service Salary for SSCE Holders (2026): Rank & CONPASS 03 Pay
SSCE holders applying to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) start at the lowest uniformed level, known as the Assistant Cadre. The specific entry rank is Immigration Assistant III (IA III), placed on CONPASS 03 under the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure.
As of 2025, the estimated monthly salary for SSCE holders on CONPASS 03 falls between ₦65,000 and ₦85,000 after deductions. This is the standard entry point for candidates with WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE qualifications.
Immigration Assistant III (IA III) Salary Structure
The Immigration Assistant III rank represents the starting point for SSCE applicants. The salary varies slightly by posting location, training history, and years in service.
| Category | Rank | CONPASS Level | Estimated Monthly Salary (Net) | Estimated Annual Salary (Gross) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadre | Immigration Assistant III (IA III) | CONPASS 03 | ₦65,000 – ₦85,000 | ₦780,000 – ₦1,020,000 |
This pay range reflects the recent upward review of the national minimum wage and updated paramilitary compensation guidelines.
A visual representation of the Assistant Cadre rank insignia can be inserted here.
The Impact of the New Minimum Wage
The federal minimum wage adjustment implemented in late 2024 significantly increased the lower paramilitary salary bands. Before the adjustment, the CONPASS 03 salary range was considerably lower, often below ₦45,000 net in earlier years.
The current ₦65,000 – ₦85,000 figure reflects:
- Revised basic pay
- Uniform maintenance adjustments
- Housing and transport allowance recalculations
Promotion from IA III to Immigration Assistant II (IA II) on CONPASS 04 generally takes 2–3 years, depending on performance and vacancies.
Mandatory Eligibility Criteria for the Assistant Cadre
To qualify for the IA III role, candidates must meet strict academic and physical requirements.
Age Requirement:
18–25 years at the time of application.
Academic Requirement:
A minimum of five credits in WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB, including English and Mathematics.
Height Requirement:
- Male: Minimum 1.65m
- Female: Minimum 1.60m
Marital Status:
Applicants must be single at the point of recruitment.
Automatic Disqualifying Medical Factors
Certain medical and physical conditions immediately disqualify candidates at the Assistant Cadre screening stage. These include:
- Severe eyesight problems, including advanced myopia or colour blindness
- Speech issues, especially heavy stammering
- Flat feet or other mobility-limiting orthopedic conditions
- Tattoos or branded skin marks
- History of drug or substance abuse
- Serious dental defects that affect facial symmetry
- Chronic respiratory or cardiovascular problems
These disqualifying factors are enforced strictly at the national screening centres.
Comparative Salary: SSCE vs. Other Entry Levels
A comparison across qualifications helps applicants understand how academic level affects recruitment rank and salary.
| Qualification | Entry Rank | CONPASS Level | Est. Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSCE/WAEC | Immigration Assistant III (IA III) | CONPASS 03 | ₦65,000 – ₦85,000 |
| NCE/ND | Assistant Inspector (AII) | CONPASS 06 | ₦80,000 – ₦100,000 |
| HND/BSc | Assistant Superintendent (ASC II) | CONPASS 08 | ₦95,000 – ₦115,000 |
While SSCE holders can be promoted internally up to Chief Immigration Assistant (CONPASS 07), advancing into the superintendent cadre requires upgrading to HND or BSc.
FAQs: Nigeria Immigration Salary for SSCE Holders
Does posting location affect IA III salary?
Yes — Officers posted to border zones or high-risk areas may receive location-based allowances.
Can SSCE officers serve in admin roles?
Yes, after completing internal training and gaining field experience, they may be posted to administrative units.
Is rent allowance included for IA III officers?
Yes, but it’s modest. Higher allowances apply to senior officers.
Can an IA III officer be upgraded without leaving the service?
Yes. Internal conversion requires a minimum of 2 years, good records, and upgraded qualifications (e.g. ND, HND, or BSc).
Do IA III officers pay for uniforms?
No. Officers receive official uniforms, along with an annual uniform maintenance allowance.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It for SSCE Holders?
The IA III role is a viable federal career path for young SSCE holders in Nigeria. With:
-
A stable income (₦65,000–₦85,000),
-
Clear promotion tracks,
-
Opportunities for internal conversion,
…it offers a structured entry point into the public service. Success depends on meeting all physical and academic criteria — and long-term commitment.
