The Nigerian Air Force Ranks and Salary Structure

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is the country’s security agency solely responsible for safeguarding the Nigerian airspace. The NAF carries out peacekeeping, search, and rescue missions in the county’s aerial space.

If you’ve got an eye for a career in the Nigerian Air Force and you’re curious about the ranks and salary structure, you’ll find answers in this article.

Nigerian Air Force Ranks

Just like other armed forces, the Nigerian Air Force is divided into two categories: Commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers.

Nigerian Air Force commissioned officers

Senior officers in the Nigerian Air Force, who are tasked with making strategic decisions, leading troops, and managing resources.

Air Chief Marshal

It’s the highest active rank, usually held by the Chief of the Air Staff, who oversees the entire Air Force and advises on air defense strategy.

Salary: ₦1,724,283

Air Marshal

This rank is mostly held by the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff or other senior officers responsible for large operational commands or strategic planning.

Salary: ₦1,486, 451

Air Vice-Marshal

Officers in this rank are responsible for major divisions or directorates within the Air Force, such as logistics, administration, or operations.

Salary: ₦1,376, 343

Air Commodore

Commanders of air bases, large operational units, or specialized wings within the Air Force. They are responsible for ensuring their units are mission-ready.

Salary: ₦677, 895

Group Captain

This rank is equivalent to a colonel in the Nigerian Army. Officers at this level manage air groups, which are large units of aircraft and personnel. They are responsible for the tactical planning and execution of missions.

Salary: ₦352, 631

Wing Commander

This rank is equivalent to a commander in the Nigerian Navy. Officers holding this rank command smaller units like wings or squadrons within an air group. They are tasked with day-to-day operations and personnel training.

Salary: ₦324,586

Squadron Leader

It’s a rank equivalent to a major in the Nigerian Army. These officers lead individual squadrons and oversee pilot performance and aircraft maintenance.

Salary: ₦248,004

Flight Lieutenant 

Typically, they serve as second-in-command within a squadron. They support the Squadron Leader in executing missions and ensuring personnel readiness.

Salary: ₦232,484

Flying Officer

Junior officers who have completed their training and are beginning their operational duties. They might serve as pilots or in other technical roles.

Salary: ₦218,400

Pilot Officer

The entry-level rank for commissioned officers is usually held by recent graduates of the Nigerian Defence Academy. They undergo further training in specific roles.

Salary: ₦187, 159

Non-commissioned Officers (NCOs)

Non-commissioned officers are responsible for maintaining discipline, training, and executing the orders given by commissioned officers of the Nigerian Air Force.

Air Warrant Officer

This rank is equivalent to a Navy or Army warrant officer and is the highest non-commissioned rank. Officers are tasked with serving as senior advisors to commanding officers on issues of discipline, morale, and training.

Salary: ₦171,793

Master Warrant Officer

Officers at this level assist the Air Warrant Officer and oversee the training and welfare of personnel in a specific unit or squadron.

Salary: ₦165,697

Flight Sergeant

This rank is equivalent to a petty officer in the Nigerian Navy. Officers lead smaller teams or sections within a squadron. They are also tasked with the direct supervision of personnel and equipment.

Salary: ₦87,119

Sergeant

These officers manage day-to-day tasks, supervise lower-ranked personnel, and ensure the smooth execution of missions.

Salary: ₦69,261

Corporal

This rank is equivalent to the able seaman in the Nigerian Navy. Officers act as junior supervisors responsible for a small group of airmen and reporting directly to a sergeant.

Salary: ₦58,634

Lance Corporal

This rank is equivalent to a seaman in the Nigerian Navy. Officers at this level hold basic leadership roles among airmen and assist corporals in their duties.

Salary: ₦50,326