The salary of immigration officers in Nigeria operates within a structured government pay system determined by rank, position, and years of service. Officers in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) are categorized under different ranks that correspond with specific pay grades in the Federal Government’s Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS). This means that an officer’s income is not arbitrary but guided by official civil service standards applied to all paramilitary agencies in the country.
When a new officer is recruited, their starting pay is determined by their educational qualification and the rank they are placed in. For instance, those who join with a university degree start at a higher level than those entering with an SSCE, diploma, or NCE. As they gain experience, receive promotions, and move to higher ranks, their salary increases accordingly. Promotions are usually based on years of service, performance, training, and passing promotional examinations, all of which influence their overall remuneration.
In addition to the basic monthly salary, immigration officers receive several allowances that make up a significant portion of their total earnings. These can include housing, transport, uniform, duty, and risk allowances, depending on the officer’s rank and posting location. Officers deployed to border areas, airports, or foreign missions may also receive special duty allowances to compensate for the nature of their assignments.
Overall, the system ensures fairness and transparency, as salaries are standardized across the country and automatically adjusted when national salary reviews occur. The structured approach helps maintain consistency, reward experience and qualifications, and ensure officers are motivated to advance in their careers.
Contents
- 1 Immigration Salary for SSCE
- 2 Immigration Salary for National Diploma in Nigeria
- 3 Salary of HND Rank in Immigration
- 4 Salary of BSC Rank in Immigration
- 5 How Much is Nigerian immigration Officers Salary Monthly?
- 6 Allowances and Additional Benefits of Nigerian Immigration Officers
- 7 What are the Ranks in Immigration in Nigeria?
Immigration Salary for SSCE
For candidates joining the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) with only an SSCE (Senior Secondary Certificate Examination) qualification, the salary is based on the lowest entry level under the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS).
An SSCE holder is usually recruited as an Immigration Assistant III (IA III) the starting rank for non-graduate officers. This rank falls around CONPASS 03 or 04, which determines how much the officer earns monthly.
On average, the basic salary for an SSCE holder ranges between ₦45,000 and ₦55,000 per month. This is the fixed amount before allowances are added. However, when various allowances such as housing, transport, uniform, and duty allowances are included, the total take-home pay can rise to around ₦70,000 to ₦100,000 monthly, depending on the officer’s posting and responsibilities.
So, while the SSCE entry-level pay is modest, it provides a stable foundation with room for steady growth through promotions and allowances as the officer progresses in service.
Immigration Salary for National Diploma in Nigeria
The salary of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) with a National Diploma (ND) or NCE (National Certificate in Education) qualification is higher than that of SSCE holders because diploma holders enter the service at a higher rank and grade level under the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS).
A diploma holder is usually recruited as an Assistant Inspector of Immigration (AII) or sometimes as an Inspector of Immigration (II), depending on the qualification, performance in the recruitment process, and available openings. This rank typically falls within CONPASS 06 or 07, which is in the mid-range of the paramilitary pay scale.
At this level, the basic monthly salary for a diploma holder in the Nigeria Immigration Service is estimated to be between ₦90,000 and ₦130,000. This amount represents only the fixed salary before allowances are added. When allowances such as housing, transport, uniform, duty, and risk allowances are included, the total take-home pay can increase to around ₦120,000 to ₦170,000 per month, depending on posting location and specific duties.
Diploma holders who serve in specialized or field roles such as border patrol, document verification, or airport duties may receive additional compensation due to the nature of their assignments. As they gain more experience, complete additional training, and earn promotions to higher ranks like Senior Inspector of Immigration (SII) or Chief Inspector (CII), their salaries and allowances increase significantly.
In summary, a diploma holder’s salary in the Nigeria Immigration Service ranges from about ₦90,000 to ₦130,000 basic, with total monthly earnings potentially reaching ₦170,000 or more, depending on rank, experience, and duty location. This makes the diploma entry level a solid middle point between the SSCE and graduate entry levels in the NIS.
Salary of HND Rank in Immigration
With a Higher National Diploma (HND) in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the salary is higher than that of both SSCE and National Diploma holders because HND graduates are recruited into the officer cadre, which falls under a higher grade in the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS).
An HND holder typically enters the service as an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI II), which is equivalent to CONPASS 08. This is an entry-level rank for graduate officers, similar to where university degree holders begin. At this level, the basic monthly salary for an HND holder ranges between ₦150,000 and ₦170,000, depending on step placement and years of service.
When allowances are added, such as housing, transport, uniform, duty, risk, and training allowances, the total take-home pay can rise to around ₦180,000 to ₦250,000 per month. The exact figure varies depending on the officer’s duty post, location, and whether they are assigned to high-risk or remote areas, such as border regions or international airports.
As HND officers advance in their careers and gain promotions, their rank and salary increase significantly. For example, after a few years of service and successful promotional exams, an HND holder can move up to Assistant Superintendent of Immigration I (ASI I) or Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI), both of which come with higher responsibilities and higher pay often exceeding ₦250,000 to ₦350,000 monthly, including allowances.
In summary, an HND holder in the Nigeria Immigration Service earns a basic salary of about ₦150,000 to ₦170,000 monthly, and with allowances included, can take home ₦180,000 to ₦250,000 or more, depending on rank progression, experience, and posting. This salary places HND officers comfortably within the middle officer cadre of the service, offering strong career and income growth potential.
Salary of BSC Rank in Immigration
For candidates joining the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) with a Bachelor’s degree (BSc), the salary is generally higher than that of SSCE, ND, or HND holders because degree holders enter at a higher officer cadre rank.
A BSc holder is typically recruited as an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI II), which is the entry-level rank for university graduates in the officer cadre. This rank generally corresponds to CONPASS 08 or 09, placing graduates in the middle-to-upper range of the paramilitary pay scale at entry.
At this rank, the basic monthly salary is estimated to range between ₦170,000 and ₦200,000, depending on step placement, qualifications, and years of service. This basic pay does not include allowances, which form a significant portion of an immigration officer’s total earnings.
With allowances such as housing, transport, uniform, duty, risk, and training allowances the total take-home pay for a BSc graduate can rise to approximately ₦200,000 to ₦300,000 per month, especially if the officer is posted to high-risk areas such as border posts, international airports, or remote locations.
As BSc holders gain experience and earn promotions, they can advance to higher ranks such as Assistant Superintendent of Immigration I (ASI I), Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI), and eventually Superintendent of Immigration (SI). Each promotion comes with a corresponding increase in both basic salary and allowances, with senior officers earning well above ₦400,000 monthly in total compensation.
In summary, a BSc graduate entering the Nigeria Immigration Service can expect a basic salary of about ₦170,000 to ₦200,000 per month, with total monthly earnings including allowances reaching ₦200,000 to ₦300,000 or more, depending on rank, posting, and experience. This makes university graduates highly competitive within the officer cadre of the NIS.
How Much is Nigerian immigration Officers Salary Monthly?
The basic salary of Nigerian immigration officers is the fixed monthly payment they receive according to their rank and grade level under the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS). It serves as the foundation of their overall earnings, excluding allowances and other benefits. The system is designed to ensure fairness and uniformity across all paramilitary agencies in Nigeria, meaning that an officer’s income is determined mainly by their position, qualification, and length of service
Here’s a clear breakdown of how the basic monthly salary of Nigerian Immigration Officers works, explained in points for easier understanding:
The Nigeria Immigration Service follows the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), which is used by all paramilitary agencies in Nigeria. This structure determines how much each officer earns based on their grade level and rank.
Each immigration officer is placed on a specific grade level depending on their educational qualification and position. For instance, those with SSCE certificates start at a lower level, while those with higher qualifications like ND, HND, or BSc begin at higher grades.
The basic salary is the fixed monthly amount paid to officers before any allowances are added. It forms the foundation of their total earnings and does not include bonuses or other benefits.
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Entry-Level Salary: New recruits who enter with SSCE usually start with a basic salary of around ₦45,000 to ₦55,000 per month, while those with higher qualifications (ND or HND) may earn between ₦80,000 and ₦130,000 at the start of their service.
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Middle-Level Officers: Officers who have served for a few years and gained promotions, such as Inspectors or Assistant Superintendents, typically earn a basic salary ranging between ₦150,000 and ₦250,000 per month, depending on their grade level.
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Senior Officers: Higher-ranking officers like Deputy Comptrollers, Comptrollers, or Assistant Comptroller Generals earn significantly more, often receiving a basic monthly salary between ₦300,000 and ₦600,000 or more, depending on rank and years of service.
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Grade and Step Increments: Each grade level has steps (for example, Step 1 to Step 10), which allow officers to receive small annual increases in their basic pay without changing their rank. This ensures steady income growth over time.
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Promotions: Promotions are based on experience, training, and performance, and when an officer is promoted, they automatically move to a higher grade level, which means a higher basic salary.
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Uniformity: The basic salary is standardized nationwide, so an officer on the same grade and step earns the same amount regardless of their posting, ensuring fairness and consistency within the service.
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Exclusion of Allowances: The basic salary does not include allowances like housing, transport, duty, or risk allowances. These are added separately and can significantly increase the officer’s total monthly income.
In summary, the basic salary of Nigerian immigration officers is determined by their rank, qualification, and grade level, and it increases progressively through steps and promotions under the CONPASS structure. It provides financial stability and a transparent framework for career growth within the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Here’s a detailed look at how the monthly salary of an officer in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) works grade by grade in Nigeria. Note that many figures are estimates and depend on rank, qualification, experience, and allowances.
| Grade 1 | 70,000 – 840,000 |
| Grade 2 | 72,000 – 864,000 |
| Grade 3 | 74,500 – 894,000 |
| Grade 4 | 77,000 – 924,000 |
| Grade 5 | 90,000 – 1,080,000 |
| Grade 6 | 110,000 – 1,320,000 |
| Grade 7 | 130,000 – 1,560,000 |
| Grade 8 | 150,000 – 1,800,000 |
| Grade 9 | 170,000 – 2,040,000 |
| Grade 10 | 200,000 – 2,400,000 |
| Grade 11 | 230,000 – 2,760,000 |
| Grade 12 | 260,000 – 3,120,000 |
| Grade 13 | 310,000 – 3,720,000 |
| Grade 14 | 360,000 – 4,320,000 |
| Grade 15 | 430,000 – 5,160,000 |
| Grade 16 | 500,000 – 6,000,000 |
Allowances and Additional Benefits of Nigerian Immigration Officers
The allowances and additional benefits of Nigerian immigration officers play a vital role in boosting their overall earnings beyond the basic salary. These allowances are designed to compensate officers for the nature of their work, living conditions, and specific responsibilities attached to their duties. Since immigration officers often work in demanding and sometimes risky environments such as border patrols, international airports, and remote postings. The allowances serve as financial support and motivation to ensure their welfare and commitment to service.
Every officer receives a range of allowances depending on their rank, posting, and duty schedule. One of the most common is the housing or rent allowance, which helps officers secure accommodation, especially those stationed away from their homes or in areas where government housing is unavailable. There is also a transport allowance that covers daily commuting or travel expenses related to official duties. Officers are provided a uniform allowance to help maintain their professional appearance, while the duty and risk allowances compensate them for long working hours or for being posted in high-risk zones such as border regions and conflict-prone areas.
In addition to these, immigration officers enjoy medical benefits, leave grants, and pension contributions that ensure long-term security after retirement. Those deployed for training or official assignments outside their primary duty stations also receive duty tour or travel allowances, which cover feeding, accommodation, and transportation during the trip. Officers sent on foreign missions, such as embassy duties or overseas border control, receive additional foreign posting allowances that reflect the cost of living in the assigned country.
Altogether, these allowances and benefits make a significant difference in the take-home pay of immigration officers. While the basic salary provides stability, the allowances ensure that officers are adequately rewarded for the unique challenges of their roles. This system not only enhances motivation and performance but also reinforces the government’s effort to maintain professionalism, loyalty, and efficiency within the Nigeria Immigration Service. The basic salary is only one component. Officers get various allowances which significantly boost their take-home pay. These can include:
- Housing or rent allowance
- Transport allowance
- Uniform/maintenance allowance
- Hazard/risk allowance (especially for border or high-risk postings)
- Duty tour allowance (for extra shifts/travel)
- Training allowance (for new recruits)
- Medical benefits and pension contributions
For example: postings in remote or high-risk zones may attract extra allowances.
What are the Ranks in Immigration in Nigeria?
The ranks in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) are structured in a hierarchical order that reflects authority, responsibility, and years of service. This ranking system is similar to that of other paramilitary organizations in Nigeria, such as the Customs and Civil Defence. It is divided into two main categories the Commissioned Officers and the Non-Commissioned Officers, each with its own progression path.
At the top of the hierarchy are the Commissioned Officers, who are senior officials responsible for policy implementation, command, and administration across the service. The highest rank is the Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI), who serves as the overall head of the service, overseeing all immigration operations nationwide. Below the CGI are the Deputy Comptrollers General (DCG) and Assistant Comptrollers General (ACG), who supervise various departments and regional commands. Following them are the Comptrollers of Immigration (CIS), Deputy Comptrollers (DCI), and Assistant Comptrollers (ACI), who manage state and divisional offices, ensuring that national policies are carried out at local levels. The next ranks include Chief Superintendents of Immigration (CSI), Superintendents (SI), and Assistant Superintendents (ASI I and ASI II) — these officers handle administrative duties, field operations, and the supervision of lower-ranking personnel.
The Non-Commissioned Officers form the operational backbone of the service. They are responsible for on-the-ground enforcement, patrols, and documentation tasks. This category begins with the Inspectors, which include the Senior Inspector (SII), Assistant Inspector (AII), and Inspector of Immigration (II). Below them are the Immigration Assistants, who are entry-level officers performing various field and support roles. Their ranks are Immigration Assistant I (IA I), Immigration Assistant II (IA II), and Immigration Assistant III (IA III). At the very bottom of the structure is the Passport Officer or Assistant Cadet, often used for new recruits or trainees before they are officially absorbed into the service.
Each rank determines the officer’s authority, salary level, and eligibility for promotion or training opportunities. Advancement through the ranks depends on years of service, performance, professional training, and passing promotional examinations. This structured system ensures order, discipline, and smooth operation within the Nigeria Immigration Service, allowing officers to grow in responsibility and expertise as they move up the hierarchy.
