Nigerian Air Force Ranks and Salary in Nigeria

Air Force is one of the most well-known professions worldwide. One of the most prominent reasons many people choose the military profession is that it offers opportunities for leadership, training, personal development, and much more.

Organization Name:	Nigerian Air Force (NAF)
Monthly Salary Range:	₦44564 – ₦1,724,283
Average Monthly Salary:	₦22282.5
Organization Description:	Nigerian Air Force (NAF) comprises various occupations within its ranks. These include pilots who fly different aircraft and engineers responsible for aircraft maintenance and technology. Furthermore, medical professionals deliver healthcare, and administrative personnel manage operations. Lastly, air traffic controllers ensure safe flight operations and security personnel safeguard bases and assets.
Minimum Qualification:	Educational requirements for every individual vary based on the specific job, but applicants should have a minimum of a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) or its equivalent for many positions. Some positions may require higher education qualifications. Furthermore, non-specialized applicants must have a minimum of 3 credits in up to two sittings in WASSCE, GCE, NECO, or NABTEB, including English language and Mathematics. Specialized applicants must have OND, NABTEB, RN, RM, NCE, or City and Guild certificates to get a job in the Nigerian Air Force.

Nigeria, one of the most developed countries in the world, has a strong Air Force and offers its citizens many career opportunities in this field. The following article is all you need if you are a Nigerian citizen seeking a career in the Nigerian Air Force. The article below contains detailed information about Nigerian Air Force ranks, salary structures, professional responsibilities, etc.

Overview of The Nigerian Air Force Ranks and Salary

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) includes commissioned officers and non‑commissioned officers/airmen. Salaries are structured according to rank, experience, and specialized skills. The minimum base salary for entry‑level trainees or cadets starts from around ₦44,564 per month, while the highest paid rank — Air Chief Marshal — can earn up to about ₦1,724,283 per month or more at the top of the pay scale.

Educational and training requirements impact the starting rank and pay scale. For example, SSCE holders often begin as aircraftmen/airwomen, while university graduates may enter as commissioned officers beginning at Pilot Officer or higher, depending on qualifications and training pathways, such as the Nigerian Defence Academy or Short Service Commission.

Allowances

Air Force officers in Nigeria may receive additional allowances, bonuses, and basic salary. These extra payments can vary based on rank, years of service, and specific job assignments. The following are some common allowances and bonuses that Nigerian Air Force officers may receive.

Hazard Allowance

Nigerian Air Force offers hazard allowance to officers exposed to dangerous conditions to compensate for the additional risks associated with their roles.

Flying Allowance

As evident from its name, this type of allowance is offered to aircrew personnel, including pilots, as compensation for their additional and technical responsibilities and skills for flying duties.

Housing Allowance

If an officer does not have military housing, the Nigerian Air Force offers him a housing allowance to assist with accommodation costs.

Salary Structure

Below is the updated 2025 Nigerian Air Force salary structure, based on rank and position.

Non‑Commissioned Officers & Airmen

Rank	Estimated Monthly Salary (₦)
Trainee/Cadet	₦44,564 – ₦53,892
Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman	₦53,892 – ₦65,000
Lance Corporal	₦55,832 – ₦75,000
Corporal	₦58,634 – ₦85,000
Sergeant	₦69,261 – ₦95,000
Flight Sergeant	₦87,119 – ₦110,000
Warrant Officer	₦101,974 – ₦130,000
Master Warrant Officer	₦130,000 – ₦150,000
Air Warrant Officer	₦160,000 – ₦180,000

Commissioned Officers

Rank	Estimated Monthly Salary (₦)
Pilot Officer	₦187,159 – ₦200,000
Flying Officer	₦218,400 – ₦230,000
Flight Lieutenant	₦232,484 – ₦280,000
Squadron Leader	₦248,004 – ₦350,000
Wing Commander	₦342,586 – ₦450,000
Group Captain	₦352,631 – ₦500,000
Air Commodore	₦677,895 – ₦850,000
Air Vice‑Marshal	₦850,000 – ₦1,200,000+
Air Marshal	₦1,200,000 – ₦1,750,000
Air Chief Marshal	₦1,724,283+

Note: Some estimates suggest the highest ranks may earn more when allowances and operational pay are included, and figures vary slightly by source.

Professional Responsibilities Of Nigerian Air Force Officers

Nigerian Air Force officers, like other military branches, have a set of professional responsibilities. These responsibilities are vital to the functioning of the Nigerian Air Force and the overall security and defense of the country. The following are some of Nigerian Air Force officers’ most prominent professional responsibilities.

National Defense

As a military branch, Nigerian Air Force officers are responsible for the defense and security of Nigeria. In other words, the officers maintain the nation’s territorial integrity and assist with firefighting aircraft against external threats.

Aircraft Maintenance

As aircraft play a vital role in the Air Force, their maintenance is mandatory. Aircraft engineers must regularly inspect aircraft and repair any damage to ensure safe operations.

Disaster Relief

Apart from protecting the country from external threats, the Nigerian Air Force officers provide disaster relief aid during natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc. Moreover, they also evacuate injured people from the remote areas and provide them with medical facilities.

What is the Minimum Salary of a Nigerian Air Force Officer?

The lowest base salary for an Air Force trainee or cadet starts at around ₦44,564 per month, rising as the individual progresses in rank and training status.

What is the Maximum Salary of a Nigerian Air Force Officer?

The highest base monthly salary in the Nigerian Air Force is offered to the Air Chief Marshal, with earnings of approximately ₦1,724,283 or more before allowances.

What Are the Professional Responsibilities of a Nigerian Air Force Officer?

Professional duties include defending national airspace, contributing to disaster response efforts, maintaining military readiness, and ensuring the safety of aircraft and personnel. These responsibilities make the NAF a critical part of Nigeria’s armed forces.

The Nigerian Air Force offers competitive salaries, structured career paths, and substantial allowances that reward service and expertise. Whether you aim to join as an aircraftman or rise to the rank of Air Chief Marshal, opportunities exist across technical, operational, and leadership roles within the force.