The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) remains one of Nigeria’s most respected paramilitary institutions, tasked with combating drug trafficking, abuse, and other narcotic-related crimes.

Since its establishment under Decree #48 of 29 December 1989, the agency has grown into a key pillar in Nigeria’s internal security architecture, enforcing drug laws at airports, seaports, borders, and within communities.

As a federal agency, NDLEA offers competitive salaries and allowances based on rank, qualification, and years of service. Whether you’re an SSCE holder, an ND/NCE graduate, or an HND/B.Sc degree holder, your entry point and earnings depend on your educational level.

This article provides a full breakdown of NDLEA salaries in 2025, ranks, allowances, training pay, welfare benefits, and entry requirements according to the NDLEA recruitment website.

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NDLEA salaries follow the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), the same used by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NSCDC, and FRSC.

An officer’s pay depends on:

• Educational qualification

• Rank or cadre

• Years of service

• Duty location and posting

Simply put, the higher your qualification and rank, the higher your salary.

NDLEA officers are grouped into three major cadres:

Senior officers are responsible for leadership, investigations, and administration.

Ranks:

• Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics II (ASN II)

• Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics I (ASN I)

• Deputy Superintendent of Narcotics (DSN)

• Superintendent of Narcotics (SN)

• Chief Superintendent of Narcotics (CSN)

• Assistant Commander of Narcotics (ACN)

• Deputy Commander of Narcotics (DCN)

• Commander of Narcotics (CN)

• Assistant Chief Commander of Narcotics (ACCN)

• Deputy Chief Commander of Narcotics (DCCN)

• Chief Commander of Narcotics (CCN)

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Field operatives involved in intelligence gathering and enforcement.

Ranks:

• Chief Narcotic Agent (CNA)

• Senior Narcotic Agent (SNA)

• Narcotic Agent (NA)

• Assistant Narcotic Agent (ANA)

Support staff handling basic administrative and operational duties.

Ranks:

• Narcotic Assistant I (NA I)

• Narcotic Assistant II (NA II)

• Narcotic Assistant III (NA III)

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NDLEA officers enjoy a wide range of allowances due to the high-risk nature of drug enforcement.

The NDLEA training allowance for trainees of SSCE holders, Ordinary National Diploma (OND) holders, and National Education Certificate (NCE) holders is around ₦18,000 – ₦28,000. While graduate trainees with Bsc and HND certificates are paid ₦30,000 – ₦47,000, respectively.

This covers uniforms, kits, and operational gear.

₦10,000 – ₦50,000 monthly, depending on posting.

This is paid when officers travel for operations.

Accommodation for senior officers; housing allowance for junior ranks.

This allowance is coverage for officers and their immediate families.

This is as applicable as under the federal pension system.

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• Travel allowance

• Life and health insurance

• Stock options

• Paid sick leave

• Dental benefits

• Meal vouchers

• Annual 13-month bonus

• Public holiday time off

• Mobile phone allowance

• Performance-based bonuses

• Maternity leave

NDLEA officers perform several critical national security tasks:

• Prevent the production of illicit drugs

• Stop the trafficking and distribution of illegal substances

• Reduce demand for narcotics

• Recover national losses from drug-related crimes

• Support preventive drug abuse programs

• Rehabilitate drug users

• Must be a Nigerian citizen

• Age 18–35 years

• Minimum of second-class honours (for graduates)

• Minimum 5 years relevant experience (as stated)

• Excellent communication and leadership skills

• Proficiency in English

• Nigerian citizen

• Age 18–35

• Minimum of a secondary school certificate

• Physically and mentally fit

• Must pass a drug test

• Must have a valid ID

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They earn between ₦70,000 - ₦85,000 monthly, depending on their rank.

Graduates (HND/B.Sc) earn between ₦120,000 and ₦850,000, depending on rank and years of service.

Yes. Trainees earn ₦15,000 – ₦45,000 depending on their qualification.

The Chief Commander of Narcotics (CCN) earns ₦700,000 – ₦850,000 monthly.

Yes. Officers earn ₦10,000 – ₦50,000 as hazard/risk allowance based on their duty post.

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