A complete guide to Nigerian Navy ranks and the monthly salary structure for officers and recruits
Nigerian Navy officers are among the most respected people in the country. They also earn decent salaries that attract many people. The Nigerian Navy is the naval branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF). Here, we explore the complete guide to Nigerian Navy ranks and the monthly salary structure for officers and recruits.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- The Nigerian Navy is one of three branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
- It is one of the largest Navies in Africa. The naval branch is made up of thousands of servicemen and women, including the Coast Guard.
- The Nigerian Navy has a distinct ranking system compared to the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force.
- The Nigerian Navy officers' salary scale is different from that of other branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Nigerian Navy ranks and their monthly salary structure
Did you know the Nigerian Navy is the second strongest navy in Africa? It is ranked behind Egypt, according to the 2025 Global Fire Power ranking. Globally, the naval branch ranks 23rd.
The Nigerian Navy has more than 130 warships, including 109 patrol vessels, two mine warfare vessels, and one frigate. Below is a look at the Nigerian Navy ranks from lowest to highest, and more about this branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Overview of the Nigerian Navy
The Nigerian Navy, which is one of the arms of the NAF, started as the Nigerian Marine that was formed in 1914 as a quasi-military organisation. It was formed after the merger of the Southern Nigerian Marine and the Northern Nigerian equivalent. The other arms are the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Army.
When Nigeria became a republic in 1963, the name was changed to the Nigerian Navy. After the repeal of the 1958 Ordinance in 1964, the constitutional task of the Navy was expanded. Some of the roles of the Nigerian Navy are listed below.
- Assisting in the enforcement of customs laws
- Making hydrographic surveys
- Training officers and men in naval duties
- Administration of the ports and harbours
Source: UGC
Nigerian Navy department list
The Nigerian Navy website lists the following as the four primary departments:
- Operations
- Marine engineering
- Weapon engineering
- Logistics
Each of the departments is headed by a head of department who reports to the commanding officer or through the executive officer (EO). The EO is the second in command on all naval ships. The Principal Warfare Officer is the head of the Operations Department.
The Nigerian Navy Ranks
Induction into the Nigerian Navy is divided into two groups: non-commissioned and commissioned officers.
Non-commissioned officers are enlisted members of the Nigerian Navy. To become a non-commissioned officer, you do not need to have a higher or university degree. They are only involved in the coordination and physical aspect of military strategies.
On the other hand, commissioned officers are more involved in decision-making, service delivery, and leadership. The entry requirements include a higher or university degree.
Commissioned officers hold higher ranks, are more respected, and earn more than non-commissioned officers. All non-commissioned officers are subject to the command of commissioned officers.
Nigerian Navy ranks and symbols for non-commissioned officers
Below is the ranking of these officers from the highest-ranking officer to the lowest. Note that the salary figures for these rankings are not readily available.
- Warrant Chief Petty Officer
- Chief Petty Officer
- Petty Officer
- Leading Rating
- Able Rating
- Ordinary Rating
- Trainee
The Nigerian Navy's symbols include the naval ensign, coat of arms, and rank insignia.
- The Nigerian Navy ensign is a white flag with the Nigerian flag in the upper left corner, called the canton. It also has a blue anchor in the lower right portion called the fly.
- The Nigerian Navy also uses the national coat of arms. The coat of arms includes a black shield with two white wavy bands representing the country's two main rivers (Niger and Benue rivers).
- In addition, the Nigerian Navy has distinct insignia for different ranks. The insignia is displayed on uniforms for officers and enlisted personnel.
Source: UGC
Nigerian Navy ranks for commissioned officers
Below is the ranking of commissioned officers from the highest-ranking officer to the lowest. Some have the estimated annual salary attached. Note that the exact salary figures are challenging to get.
- Admiral of the Fleet - ₦16,303,140
- Rear admiral - ₦12,038,945
- Vice-Admiral - ₦12,038,945
- Commodore - ₦7,385,856
- Captain - ₦3,715,859
- Commander - ₦3,380,086
- Lieutenant Commander
- Lieutenant
- Sub-Lieutenant
- Acting Sub-Lieutenant
- Mid-Shipman
How much is the Navy salary per month in Nigeria?
The monthly salary for various naval officers depends on the education level, position, and years of experience. The salaries vary widely, but trainees are the least paid.
What is the lowest rank in the Navy?
The lowest rank for non-commissioned officers is the trainee level, while the lowest rank for commissioned officers is mid-shipman.
What are the ranks in the Navy in order of seniority in Nigeria?
Familiarising yourself with the Nigerian Navy ranks and symbols is important, especially if you wish to become a naval officer. Check out the ranks in order above.
What is the highest-paid salary in the Navy?
The Chief of the Naval Staff is the highest-ranking military officer in the Nigerian Navy. Their salary estimates are yet to be disclosed publicly.
Intricate details of the Nigerian Navy ranks and the monthly salary structure are yet to be fully given to the public. Even so, naval officers in the country are well remunerated, depending on their education level, position, and experience.
Legit.ng recently published information about the Nigerian Army ranks, symbols, and salaries. The Nigerian Army is one of the three services of the Nigerian Armed Forces, alongside the Navy and Air Force.
Becoming an armed forces member is a dignifying goal for anyone who wants to serve their country. The Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF) is responsible for protecting citizens from internal and external threats and maintaining the country's structural integrity.
Source: Legit.ng
Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Simwa finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com
