Ranks, Pay Scale, Allowances, and Recruitment Guide
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the aerial warfare branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces, follows the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS). This standardized pay system applies to the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with salaries based on rank, grade level, step increments, years of service, and additional entitlements.
As of 2026, salaries incorporate influences from national minimum wage adjustments (e.g., ₦70,000+ baseline effects) and military welfare improvements. Figures are estimates drawn from CONAFSS tables, recent reports, and reliable sources. Actual take-home pay often increases significantly with allowances for flying duties, operational risks, and deployments. Note: Pay is subject to official revisions by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and NAF authorities—verify via official channels.
Quick Overview of Nigerian Air Force Salaries in 2026
- Highest Salary: Approximately ₦1,724,283 per month (Air Chief Marshal, including allowances and perks)
- Lowest Salary: Around ₦50,000 – ₦104,000 per month (Recruit/Trainee or Aircraftman, with recent entry-level reports near ₦53,000–₦104,000 after adjustments)
- Entry Qualification: SSCE/WAEC for airmen/airwomen (non-commissioned); university degree/HND for commissioned officers
- Recruitment: Periodic via the official NAF recruitment portal (nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng)
Allowances for pilots, aircrew, and field duties can substantially enhance earnings.
Commissioned Officers Salary Structure 2026
Commissioned officers manage operations, strategy, and command.
| Rank | Equivalent (Army) | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) | Notes / Range (Basic + Allowances) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Chief Marshal | General | 1,724,283 | Highest command; extensive perks |
| Air Marshal | Lieutenant General | 1,486,451 | Senior strategic/operational roles |
| Air Vice-Marshal | Major General | 1,376,343 | Major divisions/directorate heads |
| Air Commodore | Brigadier General | 677,895 | Base/wing commanders |
| Group Captain | Colonel | 352,631 | Unit/formation leaders |
| Wing Commander | Lieutenant Colonel | 342,586 | Squadron/regiment command |
| Squadron Leader | Major | 248,004 | Flight/division officers |
| Flight Lieutenant | Captain | 232,484 | Operational team leads |
| Flying Officer | Lieutenant | 218,400 | Junior commissioned officers |
| Pilot Officer | Second Lieutenant | 187,159 | Entry-level commissioned |
*Ranges reflect CONAFSS consolidated pay, step variations, and reported 2025–2026 figures.
Non-Commissioned Officers (Airmen/Airwomen/Enlisted Personnel) Salary Structure 2026
These ranks handle technical, operational, and support roles.
| Rank | Equivalent Term | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) | Notes / Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master Warrant Officer | – | 165,697 | Senior technical/advisory |
| Warrant Officer | – | 101,974 | Specialists/supervisors |
| Flight Sergeant | – | 87,119 | Section leaders |
| Sergeant | – | 69,261 | Team supervisors |
| Corporal | – | 58,634 | Junior leaders |
| Lance Corporal | – | 55,832 | Operatives |
| Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman | – | 53,892 | Skilled entry after training |
| Recruit/Trainee | – | 50,000 – 104,000 | Training phase; recent ~₦53,000–₦104,000 |
Entry-level pay has risen in recent years due to welfare reforms, with progression boosting earnings.
Allowances and Benefits in the Nigerian Air Force
Beyond basic salary, NAF personnel receive entitlements tailored to service demands:
- Flying Allowance — For pilots and aircrew (significant for aviators)
- Hazard/Operational Allowance — Risk compensation in high-threat areas
- Field/Deployment Allowance — For exercises or missions
- Rent/Housing Allowance — Accommodation support
- Transport Allowance — Mobility
- Uniform/Clothing Allowance — Kit maintenance
- Other Benefits — Medical care, pension, family support, training incentives, and special duty perks
Allowances vary by role (e.g., higher for pilots or deployed personnel) and can add substantially to take-home pay.
Nigerian Air Force Recruitment Process and Entry Requirements (2026)
Recruitment is announced via the official portal (nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng). No ongoing exercise noted recently, but monitor for updates.
- Online application submission
- Credential screening/verification
- Physical, medical, and aptitude tests
- Training at Nigerian Air Force bases or colleges
Minimum Qualifications:
- Airmen/Airwomen: SSCE/WAEC with credits
- Commissioned: Degree/HND (e.g., Direct Short Service Commission or Regular Course via NDA)
- Age: Typically 18–28 years (scheme-dependent)
- Fitness, height, and character standards apply
Career Progression in the Nigerian Air Force
Advancement depends on:
- Years of service
- Performance evaluations
- Professional training and exams
- Merit and vacancies
Consistent dedication leads to promotions, salary increases, and specialized roles.
Is a Career in the Nigerian Air Force Worth It?
The Nigerian Air Force provides structured compensation, robust benefits, job security, and the chance to contribute to national aerospace defense. Entry pay is modest but grows with rank, experience, flying duties, and allowances—appealing for aviation enthusiasts and patriots. For the most current official information, visit the Nigerian Air Force recruitment portal (nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng), official NAF website, or NSIWC updates. If eyeing 2026 recruitment, stay prepared and watch announcements—serving in the skies is a prestigious and rewarding commitment!
