How Much Do Immigration Officers Earn in Nigeria? (2025 Update)

This includes border control, issuance of travel documents, and enforcement of immigration laws. The NIS is a structured organisation with various ranks, and these ranks and the level of education of the officers determine salaries.

Salaries in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) are structured using the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS). Like other paramilitary agencies in Nigeria, the amount an officer earns depends on their rank, years of service, educational qualification, and assigned duty post.

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2025 Minimum Wage Policy Update

In September 2024, the Nigerian federal government introduced a revised national minimum wage of ₦70,000 per month, marking a significant step in workers' economic rights. This adjustment has notably influenced salary frameworks within the country’s security sector, ensuring that even the lowest-ranking personnel now earn above the mandated baseline.

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Effects on Security Personnel

The wage revision has brought several key improvements to Nigeria’s security agencies, including:

• Revised pay structures aligning with the new standard

• Increased job retention rates across all services

• Higher starting salaries for recruits and entry-level officers

• Expanded benefits and overall welfare packages

The NIS has a well-defined hierarchical structure, divided into commissioned and non-commissioned officers. Below is an outline of the ranks and their corresponding salaries:

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Commissioned Officers Salary Range

These are senior officers in leadership and management positions, from Assistant Superintendent to the Comptroller General.

1. Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI)

This is the highest-ranking officer in the NIS, responsible for overseeing national immigration policy, supervising state commands, and representing the agency at the federal level. In 2025, the CGI earns between ₦2,700,000 to ₦3,200,000 monthly, depending on years of service, location, and allowances. With added benefits such as housing, hazard, and utility allowances, the total package can exceed ₦3.5 million monthly.

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2. Deputy Comptroller General (DCG)

DCGs are top-ranking officers who oversee directorates and zones. They report directly to the CGI and have supervisory roles over Assistant Comptrollers General. Their monthly salary ranges from ₦1,100,000 to ₦1,300,000. Allowances such as housing, transport, and hazard pay can raise their total monthly earnings above ₦1.5 million.

3. Assistant Comptroller General (ACG)

ACGs typically head major departments and zones. Their monthly salary in 2025 ranges from ₦900,000 to ₦1.3 million. With allowances, their total monthly take-home can reach up to ₦1.7 million or more.

4. Comptroller of Immigration (CI)

These officers manage state commands or national units. They earn ₦1,600,000 to ₦1,900,000 monthly, with allowances bringing total earnings to over ₦2 million.

5. Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI)

DCIs assist state command leaders and supervise critical enforcement operations. They earn ₦1,100,000 to ₦1,300,000 monthly. Additional allowances may push their total pay to ₦1.7 million or more.

6. Assistant Comptroller of Immigration (ACI)

ACIs work in administrative or regional roles and support higher-ranking officers. Their monthly salary is between ₦800,000 to ₦900,000, with full packages rising above ₦1.2 million with allowances.

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7. Chief Superintendent of Immigration (CSI)

Chief Superintendents oversee multiple units or lead enforcement teams. They earn between ₦550,000 to ₦650,000 monthly. With full allowances, the total monthly compensation may exceed ₦1 million.

8. Superintendent of Immigration (SI)

Superintendents typically head divisions or smaller field offices. They earn between ₦400,000 to ₦450,000 monthly. Allowances for housing and hazard duties can increase this to ₦600,000 or more.

9. Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI)

DSIs play supporting roles in field management and administrative coordination. Monthly salaries range from ₦300,000 to ₦350,000, depending on duty post.

10. Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (ASI I & II)

These are the entry officer ranks for university graduates. ASI II is the lower level, followed by ASI I upon promotion. Salaries range between ₦220,000 to ₦250,000 monthly

Non-Commissioned Officers Salary Range

These are the junior ranks of the NIS, responsible for day-to-day operations and fieldwork.

11. Senior Inspector of Immigration (SII)

SIIs supervise non-commissioned personnel and operations at entry points. Monthly salary ranges from ₦180,000 – ₦200,000 depending on location and assignment.

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12. Inspector of Immigration (II)

Inspectors perform duties at checkpoints, airports, and embassies. They earn between ₦150,000 – ₦170,000 monthly.

13. Assistant Inspector of Immigration (AII)

AII officers assist inspectors and handle administrative or technical roles. Their pay ranges from ₦120,000 – ₦140,000 monthly.

14. Immigration Assistant (IA I–III)

These are the foundational ranks for SSCE holders. Depending on grade level, salaries start from ₦85,000 to ₦120,000 monthly.

15. Passport Officers

These officers work in passport offices, processing applications and verifying documents. Depending on grade, they earn ₦180,000 to ₦350,000 monthly.

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Salary Based on Educational Qualifications

Different qualifications lead to different starting ranks and salaries in the NIS. Here's how education plays a role:

1. Graduate Entry Level (Degree Holders)

Graduates with a university degree typically enter the service at the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI II). In 2025, they earn between ₦220,000 to ₦250,000 monthly. Promotion to ASI I usually happens within 2–3 years, depending on performance and vacancies.

2. Diploma/HND Holders

Candidates with a National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) usually begin as Inspectors of Immigration (II). Their monthly salary falls between ₦150,000 to ₦170,000, and promotions occur within 3–4 years based on training and evaluations.

3. SSCE/WAEC Holders

With an SSCE or WAEC certificate, recruits start at the rank of Immigration Assistant III (IA III). In 2025, monthly salaries range from ₦85,000 to ₦120,000. Promotion timelines vary, but generally occur every 4–5 years with successful training and assessment.

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Allowances and Additional Benefits

Beyond their base salaries, immigration officers receive a range of monthly and annual allowances, depending on rank and location.

Monthly Allowances

• Housing Allowance: Ranges from 25% to 50% of basic salary depending on location and rank.

• Transport Allowance: Between ₦30,000 to ₦120,000 monthly.

• Uniform Allowance: Typically ₦20,000 to ₦40,000 yearly, depending on rank.

• Medical Allowance: Covers routine health care for officers and immediate family members.

• Risk Allowance: ₦15,000 – ₦35,000 monthly, especially for those on sensitive assignments.

• Shift Allowance: Paid per shift for officers on rotation or night duty.

• Border Duty Allowance: Additional ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 monthly for officers stationed in border towns.

• Education Allowance: ₦50,000 – ₦200,000 annually

• Leave Allowance: 13th month salary equivalent

Additional Benefits

• Pension Contributions: Employee contributes 8%, employer adds 12%.

• Life Insurance: Coverage worth up to three times the officer’s annual salary.

• Medical Insurance: Extensive medical plans for officer and family.

• Training Opportunities: Both local and international courses for capacity building.

• Promotion Opportunities: Based on merit, qualifications, and years of service.

• Retirement Benefits: Officers retire with gratuity and monthly pension after 35 years or upon reaching 60 years of age.

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Factors Affecting Immigration Officers’ Salaries

A number of elements influence the exact salary an immigration officer earns:

1. Experience and Length of Service

Officers with 10+ years of service generally earn more than fresh recruits due to periodic promotions and step increases.

2. Specialisation and Additional Qualifications

Officers with special roles like border surveillance, investigation, or VIP protection earn extra allowances. Additional qualifications such as advanced degrees can also fast-track promotions.

3. Geographic Location

Postings in Abuja, Lagos, and other high-cost areas attract higher allowances. Officers in remote or high-risk zones get hardship or danger pay.

Career Progression and Promotion Structure

Promotion in the NIS is based on a mix of time in rank, performance reviews, and academic/professional qualifications.

Promotion Requirements

• Serving the minimum number of years per rank.

• Completing mandatory courses and assessments.

• Maintaining a clean disciplinary record.

• Meeting fitness and health requirements.

Fast-Track Promotion Opportunities

• Outstanding performance in critical assignments.

• Earning higher degrees or certifications.

• Receiving commendations or awards for excellence.

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Comparison with Other Paramilitary Services

Here's how NIS salaries compare with other security agencies in Nigeria:

• Nigeria Police Force: Similar salary structure but fewer international assignments.

• Nigeria Customs Service: Generally pays higher due to its revenue-generating role.

• NSCDC: Uses the same CONPASS structure; similar pay scale.

• FRSC: Slightly lower entry-level pay but competitive at higher ranks.

Recent Salary Updates and Government Policies

2024–2025 Salary Reviews

The proposed ₦70,000 minimum wage and other reforms have led to upward adjustments in salaries, especially for entry and mid-level officers.

Inflation Adjustments

The government is considering periodic reviews to help officers cope with rising living costs.

Policy Changes

Digitisation and modernisation of operations have led to enhanced pay in tech-sensitive departments.

Current Challenges

• Salary Delays: Some new recruits report delays in initial payment.

• Outstanding Arrears: Backlogs from previous years still being cleared.

• Budget Constraints: Can limit the frequency of promotions and upgrades.

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How to Join Nigeria Immigration Service

Recruitment Process

• Education Requirements: SSCE for entry-level, degrees for officer cadre.

• Age Limit: 18–30 years old.

• Fitness: Candidates must pass physical and medical screening.

• Application: Online through the NIS recruitment portal.

• Training: Conducted at the Immigration Training School for new intakes.

Career Prospects

• Stable employment with regular promotions.

• International peacekeeping opportunities with UN and ECOWAS.

• Generous retirement and pension packages.

• Continued training and career development throughout service.

Note: These figures are based on available reports and may vary slightly depending on rank, location, and updated government policies.

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