Nigerian Police Ranks, Salary Structure (₦938K Max) & Entry Points (2026)
There is often confusion surrounding the true earnings of Nigerian Police Force (NPF) personnel due to regular but inconsistent salary reports. This guide provides the most current and detailed official Basic Monthly Salary figures, which are based on the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS).
It is important to understand that the figures below represent the Basic Salary only. An officer’s Total Take-Home Pay is significantly higher due to the various allowances paid.
This guides explains everything you need to know about the Nigerian police rank and salary.
Let’s dive in.
NPF Rank Hierarchy (From Top to Bottom)
The NPF structure is divided into three distinct levels:
- Superior Police Officers (Commissioned)
- Inspectors (Intermediate)
- Rank and File (Non-Commissioned)
1. Superior Police Officers (Commissioned)
These ranks are political and managerial appointments, often requiring higher educational qualifications for entry.
- Inspector General of Police (IGP) — Highest Rank
- Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)
- Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG)
- Commissioner of Police (CP)
- Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)
- Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)
- Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP)
- Superintendent of Police (SP)
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
- Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) — Lowest Commissioned Rank
2. Rank and File (Non-Commissioned)
These ranks are typically the starting point for SSCE holders and form the majority of the field police workforce.
- Inspector of Police
- Sergeant Major
- Sergeant
- Corporal
- Police Constable
- Police Recruit (During Training)
Detailed Police Salary Structure (Basic Monthly Pay)
Below are the Basic Monthly Salary structures for NPF personnel, showing entry-level (Step 1) and maximum (Step 10+) salaries.
Table 1: Commissioned Officer Salaries (Monthly Basic)
| Rank | Grade Level (GL) | Lowest Monthly (₦) | Highest Monthly (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IGP | – | 938,578 | 938,578 |
| DIG | – | 854,272 | 854,272 |
| AIG | – | 527,387 | 527,387 |
| CP | GL 15 | 266,777 | 302,970 |
| DCP | GL 14 | 242,715 | 278,852 |
| ACP | GL 13 | 183,185 | 212,938 |
| CSP | GL 12 | 172,089 | 199,723 |
| SP | GL 11 | 161,478 | 187,616 |
| DSP | GL 10 | 148,733 | 170,399 |
| ASP | GL 08/09 | 127,604 | 156,318 |
Table 2: Non-Commissioned Officer Salaries (Monthly Basic)
| Rank | Grade Level (GL) | Lowest Monthly (₦) | Highest Monthly (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet Inspector | GL 07 | 73,231 | 87,135 |
| Sergeant Major | GL 06 | 55,144 | 62,204 |
| Sergeant | GL 05 | 48,540 | 55,973 |
| Corporal | GL 04 | 44,715 | 51,113 |
| Police Constable | GL 03 | 43,293 | 43,293 |
| Police Recruit (Training) | – | 9,019 | 9,019 |
Total Earnings: Salary vs. Allowances
The official basic salaries are significantly supplemented by various allowances, which drastically increase an officer’s final take-home pay.
Key Allowances Received
Allowances vary based on rank, duty station, and deployment. Key examples include:
- Hazard Allowance: For high-risk or dangerous operations (e.g., counter-terrorism).
- Rent Allowance/Subsidy: For officers living outside police barracks.
- Transport Allowance: Covers transportation expenses.
- Uniform Maintenance Allowance: For uniform upkeep.
- Utility Allowance: Assists with basic utilities.
Important Note on Recruit Pay
The ₦9,019 shown for Police Recruits is a training allowance.
After graduation, they begin earning the Police Constable salary (₦43,293) plus allowances.
NPF Entry Points and Starting Ranks
| Entry Point / Rank | Minimum Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Police Constable (Recruit) | SSCE/NECO/GCE (5 credits incl. Maths & English) | 18–25 years |
| Cadet Inspector | OND, NCE, or A’ Level | 18–28 years |
| Cadet ASP | BSc, BA, or HND (Min. Second Class Lower/Upper Credit) | 19–30 years |
Candidates for Cadet ASP must have an NYSC Discharge Certificate or a valid Exemption Letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are police salaries tied to the minimum wage?
No. NPF salaries follow the CONPASS structure, which is separate and generally higher than the federal civil service scale.
Q2: What rank can a university graduate start with?
A graduate enters as a Cadet ASP and becomes an ASP after training.
Q3: Do salaries vary by location or hazard level?
Yes. Basic salary is constant nationwide, but allowances—especially hazard and rent—vary by location and risk exposure.
Q4: How long does it take to move from Constable to Sergeant?
Typically 5–8 years, based on performance, exams, and available vacancies.
Conclusion: Your Path to a Career in the NPF
The Nigerian Police Force offers a structured and reliable career path through the CONPASS salary system.
Although basic salaries range from ₦9,019 for Recruits to ₦938,578 for the IGP, the real earning potential comes from the numerous allowances that significantly boost total compensation.
Whether you enter as a Police Constable with an SSCE or as a Cadet ASP with a university degree, the NPF provides a clear path for advancement based on merit, discipline, and service.
