NDLEA Salary 2025 and Ranks: Updated Structure and Allowances
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) plays a vital role in Nigeria’s internal security framework. Tasked with combating the manufacturing, trafficking, and abuse of illicit drugs, the NDLEA operates under a paramilitary structure similar to other agencies such as the Nigerian Civil Defence (NSCDC) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
As with other government organizations, the salary structure and ranks in the NDLEA are based on qualifications, experience, and years of service. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of the NDLEA salary in 2025, along with its ranks and allowances.
What is NDLEA?
NDLEA stands for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. It was established by Decree No. 48 of 1989 to tackle the growing problem of drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria. Officers of the NDLEA are deployed across airports, seaports, and border crossings to monitor, arrest, and prosecute offenders involved in illicit drug activities.
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NDLEA Ranks Structure (2025)
Just like the Nigerian Army or Police, the NDLEA operates a structured rank system divided into two main categories:
1. Commissioned Officers
These are graduates and professionals recruited into senior-level roles.
- Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics (ASN I & II)
- 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 Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN)
- Deputy Commander General of Narcotics (DCGN)
- Commander General of Narcotics (CGN)
2. Non-Commissioned Officers
These are entry-level ranks mainly for SSCE, ND, or NCE holders.
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- Narcotic Assistant III
- Narcotic Assistant II
- Narcotic Assistant I
- Narcotic Agent
- Chief Narcotic Agent
- Senior Narcotic Agent
- Principal Narcotic Agent
NDLEA Salary Structure 2025
NDLEA salary is paid based on the CONPASS (Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure). Officers are placed on different grade levels based on their qualifications. Below is an estimated breakdown of the monthly salary structure:
Entry-Level Salary
| Qualification | Entry Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| SSCE/WAEC | Narcotic Assistant III | ₦45,000 – ₦70,000 |
| NCE/ND | Narcotic Agent | ₦75,000 – ₦90,000 |
| HND | Assistant Superintendent II | ₦95,000 – ₦120,000 |
| BSc/B.Ed/B.Tech | Assistant Superintendent I | ₦120,000 – ₦150,000 |
| Master’s Degree/LLB | Deputy Superintendent | ₦160,000 – ₦200,000 |
Senior-Level Officers
| Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Superintendent of Narcotics | ₦200,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Chief Superintendent of Narcotics | ₦250,000 – ₦300,000 |
| Assistant Commander of Narcotics | ₦300,000 – ₦350,000 |
| Deputy Commander of Narcotics | ₦350,000 – ₦400,000 |
| Commander of Narcotics | ₦400,000 – ₦450,000 |
| ACGN to CGN | ₦450,000 – ₦600,000+ |
These figures are estimates and may vary slightly due to promotions, years of service, and additional allowances.
NDLEA Allowances and Benefits
In addition to their basic salaries, NDLEA officers enjoy various allowances, which include:
- Hazard Allowance: Due to the high-risk nature of drug enforcement work.
- Uniform Allowance: To cover the cost of maintaining paramilitary dress codes.
- Transport Allowance: For movement across operational zones.
- Medical Allowance: For both the officer and immediate family.
- Housing Allowance: Varies depending on location and grade.
- Special Duty Allowance: For officers deployed on special missions.
NDLEA Training Allowance
Candidates undergoing training at the NDLEA Academy receive a monthly stipend during the course of their program. On average:
- SSCE/ND/NCE trainees: ₦15,000 – ₦25,000 per month
- Graduate trainees: ₦25,000 – ₦35,000 per month
After successful completion of training, officers are deployed and placed on full salary according to their qualification and rank.
Promotion in NDLEA
Promotion within the NDLEA is based on:
- Years of Service
- Performance Evaluation
- Available Vacancies
- Disciplinary Record
- Further Education or Training
On average, officers are promoted every 3–4 years depending on merit and institutional reforms.
Conclusion
The NDLEA remains one of the most essential paramilitary agencies in Nigeria, not only because of its fight against drug abuse but also due to its growing role in national security. The salary structure in 2025 reflects an effort to reward officers adequately while attracting more qualified personnel.
For anyone interested in joining the NDLEA, whether as a fresh SSCE holder or a university graduate, understanding the ranks and salary is important.
