Breakdown of Salaries by Specific Ministries and Agencies in Nigeria (2026/2027) According to the Approved National Minimum Wage

Breakdown of Salaries by Specific Ministries and Agencies in Nigeria (2026/2027) According to the Approved National Minimum Wage

In Nigeria, public service salaries are not paid randomly. They are regulated by approved salary structures, grade levels, steps, and allowances. However, many job seekers still struggle to understand a simple but critical reality: the ministry or agency you work for can significantly affect your total take-home pay, even when the national minimum wage and salary structures are in place.

This guide is written to help Nigerians understand:

1. How government salary structures work

2. What the approved national minimum wage means for civil servants

3. Why two government workers on similar grade levels may earn different amounts

4. Salary breakdowns across specific ministries, agencies, and parastatals

5. Allowances and hidden earnings that shape take-home pay

6. What to expect in 2026/2027 as reforms continue

Understanding Nigeria’s Government Salary System (The Foundation)

Before breaking down salaries by ministries and agencies, you must understand the framework that determines public sector pay.

In Nigeria, salaries are based on three key pillars:

1. The approved national minimum wage

2. Salary structures (CONPSS, CONRAISS, CONTISS, etc.)

3. Grade level and step system

Your final salary is influenced by:

1. Your grade level

2. Your step (experience progression)

3. Your institution (ministry vs agency)

4. Your allowances (some are fixed, others vary widely)

What the Approved National Minimum Wage Means in Government Pay

The national minimum wage is the legally approved minimum monthly pay for workers in Nigeria. It affects public sector salary structures because:

1. No worker should earn below it

2. Salary tables are adjusted upward when minimum wage is reviewed

3. Entry-level pay scales and allowances may shift

However, Nigerians must understand this clearly:

Minimum wage does NOT mean every government worker earns the same

Minimum wage sets the floor, not the ceiling.

A cleaner, driver, or junior clerk may earn around the minimum wage (with small allowances), but a graduate officer or agency staff member can earn multiple times higher.

Why Salaries Differ Across Ministries and Agencies

Many Nigerians assume all federal workers earn the same because they are “federal.” That is incorrect.

Salary differences happen because:

1) Different Salary Structures Apply

For example:

1. Core ministries: usually CONPSS

2. Universities and polytechnics: CONTISS / CONPCASS / CONUNASS

3. Health institutions: CONHESS / CONMESS

4. Revenue agencies: CONRAISS (often higher)

2) Allowances Differ by Institution

Some agencies pay:

1. Hazard allowance

2. Field allowance

3. Shift allowance

4. Revenue collection allowance

5. Technical allowances

These can change take-home pay drastically.

3) Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Matters

Some agencies generate revenue and can pay:

1. Productivity bonuses

2. Performance incentives

3. Special duty allowances

Ministries rarely have this advantage.

Breakdown of Salaries by Specific Ministries and Agencies in Nigeria (2026/2027) According to the Approved National Minimum Wage

Key Government Salary Structures and Where They Apply

Understanding salary breakdown by ministries requires knowing which structure is used.

CONPSS (Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure)

This is the most common structure for:

1. Federal ministries

2. Core departments

3. Administrative public service roles

It covers:

1. Administrative officers

2. Executive officers

3. Clerical staff

4. Support staff

CONPSS is stable but not the highest-paying.

CONRAISS (Consolidated Revenue Agency Salary Structure)

This applies to:

1. Revenue agencies

2. High-performance regulatory bodies

3. Financial enforcement institutions

Agencies under this structure often pay higher due to:

1. Revenue generation

2. Specialized operations

3. Strong union influence

4. Special allowances

CONTISS / CONPCASS / CONUNASS

These apply to:

1. Federal universities

2. Polytechnics

3. Colleges of education

4. Teaching hospitals (some categories)

They have unique academic allowances.

CONMESS / CONHESS

These apply to:

1. Doctors and consultants (CONMESS)

2. Other health workers (CONHESS)

They include:

1. Call duty allowances

2. Hazard allowances

3. Shift allowances

Paramilitary Salary Structures

These apply to:

1. Nigeria Immigration Service

2. Nigeria Customs Service

3. NSCDC

4. FRSC

5. Correctional Service

They include:

1. Risk allowances

2. Uniform allowances

3. Operational allowances

Salary Breakdown by Specific Ministries (Core Federal Ministries)

Now let’s go into the ministries Nigerians frequently apply to and what salary realities look like.

Federal Ministry of Education (Salary Expectations)

Most staff under the ministry fall under CONPSS.

Common roles:

1. Education officers

2. Administrative officers

3. Planning officers

4. Executive officers

Salary reality:

1. Basic salary follows CONPSS grade levels

2. Allowances include housing, transport, leave

3. Take-home pay is moderate

4. Promotion is structured but can be slow

Who benefits most:

1. Graduate-level officers (GL 08+)

2. Officers with policy, research, and administrative skills

Federal Ministry of Health (Salary Expectations)

Salary structure depends on the role:

1. Administrative staff: CONPSS

2. Health professionals: CONHESS / CONMESS

Salary reality:

1. Doctors and medical consultants earn significantly higher due to CONMESS

2. Nurses and allied health workers earn above CONPSS due to hazard/shift allowances

3. Administrative roles remain moderate

Extra earning advantage:

1. Hazard allowances

2. Call duty allowances

3. Shift allowances

Federal Ministry of Works (Salary Expectations)

Mostly CONPSS, but technical roles enjoy additional allowances.

Common roles:

1. Engineers

2. Quantity surveyors

3. Project supervisors

4. Admin staff

Salary reality:

1. Technical staff can earn more due to field/project duty allowances

2. Office-only roles earn standard CONPSS

Federal Ministry of Finance (Salary Expectations)

Primarily CONPSS, but staff may enjoy exposure to financial institutions and policy roles.

Common roles:

• Accountants

• Economists

• Policy analysts

• Budget officers

Salary reality:

• Moderate take-home pay

• Strong career progression

• Better opportunities for professional training

Breakdown of Salaries by Specific Ministries and Agencies in Nigeria (2026/2027) According to the Approved National Minimum Wage

Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment

Mostly CONPSS.

Roles:

1. Labour officers

2. Industrial relations officers

3. Admin staff

Salary reality:

1. Stable but not high

2. Allowances are standard

3. Strong pension structure

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

CONPSS for most roles.

Salary reality:

1. Field officers may earn more due to field allowances

2. Rural postings may attract additional benefits

3. Agricultural extension roles have practical relevance

Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (One of the Most Sought-After)

This ministry is unique because of diplomatic and foreign service roles.

Salary reality:

• Core staff under CONPSS

• Foreign service roles may include:

  • Foreign posting allowances

  • Diplomatic duty allowances

  • International assignment benefits

Why it’s attractive:

• International exposure

• Higher total package for posted staff

Salary Breakdown by High-Paying Federal Agencies

Agencies differ from ministries. Many agencies are structured for performance and specialized operations.

Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)

FIRS is among the highest-paying government agencies.

Salary structure:

Often aligned with CONRAISS or revenue-agency style structures.

Salary reality:

1. Higher base pay than CONPSS

2. Strong allowances

3. Performance bonuses possible

Who earns best:

1. Tax officers

2. Accountants

3. Legal officers

4. ICT officers

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)

Customs salaries are under paramilitary structure.

Salary reality:

1. Competitive base salary

2. Risk allowances

3. Operational allowances

4. Posting-related benefits

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)

Similar to Customs but generally slightly lower depending on rank.

Salary reality:

1. Strong allowances

2. Risk benefits

3. Duty-related payments

EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission)

EFCC pay is attractive due to:

1. Specialized operations

2. Risk exposure

3. Investigative duties

Salary reality:

1. Better than typical ministries

2. Allowances are significant

3. Work is demanding and high-pressure

ICPC (Independent Corrupt Practices Commission)

ICPC is similar but differs slightly from EFCC in incentives.

Salary reality:

1. Stable and competitive

2. Professional investigative structure

3. Less operational intensity than EFCC

NNPC Limited and Oil Sector Government Institutions

This category is distinct.

Salary reality:

1. Significantly higher than CONPSS

2. Strong welfare packages

3. Competitive recruitment

4. Better allowances

This is why many Nigerians see NNPC as a “top-tier government employer.”

Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)

NPA is another high-paying agency.

Salary reality:

1. Strong salary structure

2. Allowances linked to operations

3. Better than core ministries

Why Revenue Agencies Pay More Than Ministries

Revenue agencies often pay more because:

1. They generate income

2. They have operational risks

3. They require specialized skills

4. They have strong institutional funding

This is why jobs in:

1. FIRS

2. Customs

3. NPA

4. NIMASA

5. CBN-related institutions

are among the most competitive.

What Job Seekers Must Know About “Take-Home Pay”

Your take-home pay is influenced by:

1. Deductions (pension, tax, NHF)

2. Allowances

3. Duty-related benefits

4. Posting location

5. Union negotiated benefits

Two workers can have the same basic salary but different take-home pay due to allowances.

Practical Guidance: Choosing the Best Ministry or Agency

If your goal is high income, prioritize:

1. Revenue agencies

2. Oil and maritime agencies

3. Specialized regulatory bodies

4. Paramilitary services

If your goal is stability and predictable career growth, prioritize:

1. Federal ministries

2. Education and policy institutions

3. Administrative roles

If your goal is international exposure, prioritize:

1. Foreign Affairs

2. Immigration

3. Trade-related agencies

First, a Critical Clarification Nigerians Must Understand

Many job seekers keep asking:
“What is the salary of a federal worker in Nigeria?”

The honest answer is:

There is no single salary for “federal worker”

A federal worker’s pay depends on:

• Salary structure (CONPSS, CONRAISS, CONTISS, etc.)

• Grade level and step

• Allowances

• Agency welfare system

• Posting location and duty type

That is why someone in a ministry may earn moderate pay, while another person in a revenue agency may earn 2–4 times more on a similar grade level.

How National Minimum Wage Affects Public Sector Salaries (2026/2027)

The approved national minimum wage affects public service salaries in three major ways:

1) It Sets the Legal Minimum Pay Threshold

No government worker should earn below the national minimum wage after salary adjustments.

2) It Forces Adjustment of Entry-Level Salary Points

The lowest grade levels and steps are often reviewed upward after wage changes.

3) It Triggers Negotiations Across Unions and Structures

When minimum wage increases:

• Academic unions negotiate new allowances

• Health sector unions renegotiate hazard and call duty

• Paramilitary services push for improved risk allowances

So, minimum wage increases do not only affect junior workers; they often trigger a ripple effect across the entire salary framework.

Salary Breakdown by More Key Federal Ministries (What to Expect)

While ministries mostly operate under CONPSS, the real difference is not just base salary, but:

• duty allowances

• project allowances

• international exposure

• training benefits

• posting opportunities

Federal Ministry of Justice

Roles commonly recruited:

• State counsel

• Legal officers

• Admin officers

• Litigation support staff

Salary structure:

• Mostly CONPSS

• Some legal roles may have enhanced allowances

Pay reality:

• Standard CONPSS take-home

• Legal roles may enjoy professional allowances

• Strong career relevance for lawyers

Best for:

• Law graduates and policy-driven professionals

• Those aiming for long-term stability and influence

Federal Ministry of Interior

This ministry oversees internal security-related institutions.

Salary reality:

• Core ministry staff: CONPSS

• Agencies under it (paramilitary): higher earning potential

Why it matters:

Even if ministry pay is moderate, you may access career opportunities into:

• Correctional Service

• Immigration

• Civil Defence structures

Breakdown of Salaries by Specific Ministries and Agencies in Nigeria (2026/2027) According to the Approved National Minimum Wage

Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy

This ministry has become increasingly important due to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

Salary reality:

• Mostly CONPSS

• But high training and exposure value

Advantage:

• International development partnerships

• Strong skill-building potential

• Better opportunities for policy/ICT professionals

This ministry may not be the highest paying in cash, but it is among the best for long-term career relevance.

Federal Ministry of Environment

Salary reality:

• Standard CONPSS

• Field and environmental project allowances may apply

Best for:

• Environmental scientists

• Climate policy professionals

• Public health/environmental health specialists

Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (or related social intervention agencies)

This sector is heavily involved in:

• social intervention programs

• poverty alleviation schemes

• community development projects

Salary reality:

• Base is moderate (CONPSS)

• Project allowances may apply

• Some positions are contract-based

Key warning:

Some roles may be politically influenced and contract-driven rather than permanent civil service roles.

Federal Ministry of Power

Salary reality:

• Mostly CONPSS

• Engineers may earn extra duty allowances

Best for:

• Electrical engineers

• Energy policy professionals

• Project management specialists

Salary Breakdown by Major Agencies Nigerians Apply to Most

Now let’s address the agencies that job seekers ask about the most.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

CBN is one of the most desirable public sector employers.

Why:

• elite salary structure

• strong welfare packages

• high professional prestige

Salary reality:

• Much higher than CONPSS

• Strong allowances and bonuses

• Competitive recruitment

Best for:

• Economists

• Accountants

• Finance professionals

• ICT/data professionals

• Legal professionals

If your goal is “top-tier government pay,” CBN is in that category.

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited)

NNPC remains a top employer.

Salary reality:

• Among the highest government-linked pay structures

• Very strong allowances and welfare packages

• Extremely competitive entry

Best for:

• Engineers

• Geoscientists

• Accountants

• Procurement and supply chain professionals

• Legal professionals

Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)

NIMASA is one of the strongest-paying maritime agencies.

Salary reality:

• Higher than ministries

• Strong operational allowances

• Specialized professional pay

Best for:

• Maritime studies graduates

• Engineers

• Legal officers

• Port operations professionals

Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)

NPA is widely known for strong pay.

Salary reality:

• High compared to CONPSS

• Operational allowances

• Strong welfare systems

Best for:

• Engineers

• Logistics professionals

• Marine operations specialists

• Admin professionals

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)

FAAN employs a wide range of staff.

Salary reality:

• Moderate to high depending on role

• Aviation operational allowances apply

• Shift allowances for operational roles

Best for:

• Engineers

• Aviation operations

• Security and logistics

• Technical maintenance

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)

NCAA is a regulator and typically offers strong pay.

Salary reality:

• Higher than ministries

• Technical and regulatory allowances

• Strong professional development

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)

NCC is one of the most competitive agencies for ICT professionals.

Salary reality:

• Strong salary and allowances

• Professional work environment

• High performance expectations

Best for:

• ICT professionals

• Telecom engineers

• Policy analysts

• Legal professionals

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC Nigeria)

Salary reality:

• Better than ministries

• Financial regulation allowances may apply

• Professional work environment

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)

NAFDAC is a popular agency.

Salary reality:

• Better than ministries

• Field inspection allowances

• Duty allowances for enforcement roles

Best for:

• Pharmacists

• Biochemists

• Microbiologists

• Lab scientists

Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON)

SON is a regulatory body.

Salary reality:

• Competitive salary structure

• Inspection allowances

• Fieldwork benefits

Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)

A top-tier petroleum regulator.

Salary reality:

• Very high compared to CONPSS

• Strong allowances

• Highly technical recruitment

Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)

Also among the best-paying petroleum-related agencies.

Salary reality:

• Strong salary packages

• Technical allowances

• High entry competition

Salary Breakdown by Security and Paramilitary Agencies

These agencies pay through rank structures and include risk allowances.

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)

Salary reality:

• Competitive base salary

• Operational/risk allowances

• Posting benefits

Customs can pay well, but work pressure and duty intensity are high.

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)

Salary reality:

• Good pay structure

• Posting allowances

• Operational duty benefits

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

Salary reality:

• Moderate to good pay

• Risk allowance

• Strong recruitment volume

Breakdown of Salaries by Specific Ministries and Agencies in Nigeria (2026/2027) According to the Approved National Minimum Wage

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)

Salary reality:

• Moderate pay

• Operational allowances

• Duty-based benefits

Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS)

Salary reality:

• Moderate pay

• Risk allowance

• Operational welfare benefits

Salary Breakdown in Education Institutions (Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges)

Education institutions have unique salary structures and allowances.

Federal Universities

Salary structures:

• Academic staff: CONPCASS

• Non-academic: CONTISS

Salary reality:

• Academic staff earn additional allowances

• Promotions depend on academic progress

• Research and publication influence career growth

Lecturers may not always earn like oil-sector agencies, but academic allowances improve earnings.

Polytechnics and Colleges of Education

Salary reality:

• Similar structure

• Lower than some top agencies

• Stable career progression

Salary Breakdown in Teaching Hospitals and Health Institutions

Healthcare workers’ pay differs sharply from regular ministries.

Doctors (CONMESS)

Doctors earn:

• Basic salary

• Call duty allowance

• Hazard allowance

• Shift allowances

CONMESS is among the best public sector structures.

Nurses and Allied Health Workers (CONHESS)

CONHESS includes:

• Hazard allowances

• Shift allowances

• Special duty allowances

Take-home pay can exceed many ministry workers, especially with shift duty.

Which Agencies Pay the Highest in Nigeria (2026/2027 Ranking Logic)

Instead of giving misleading “exact figures,” a professional approach is to rank agencies based on known pay structure strength and allowances.

Top Tier (Usually Highest Paying)

• CBN

• NNPC Limited

• NUPRC / NMDPRA

• NCC

• NPA

• NIMASA

Strong Tier (High Paying)

• FIRS

• NCAA

• SEC

• SON

• NAFDAC

• FAAN

Stable Tier (Moderate Pay, Strong Security)

• Federal ministries (CONPSS)

• Many state ministries

• Local government structures

High-Risk but Good Pay Tier

• Customs

• Immigration

• EFCC

Salary Case Scenarios (Realistic Take-Home Understanding)

Now let’s explain in real terms how salary differences show up.

Case Scenario 1: Graduate Admin Officer in a Federal Ministry

A graduate employed under CONPSS:

1. gets standard basic salary

2. standard allowances

3. predictable take-home

4. stable pension and promotion

This is stable but not “high paying.”

Case Scenario 2: Graduate Officer in FIRS

A graduate officer in a revenue agency:

1. earns higher base pay

2. enjoys stronger allowances

3. may receive performance incentives

This category often earns significantly more than ministries.

Case Scenario 3: Graduate Engineer in NPA or NIMASA

A technical professional in a maritime agency:

• gets high base salary

• gets technical allowances

• earns duty-related allowances

Total package becomes much higher than CONPSS ministries.

Case Scenario 4: Doctor in a Federal Teaching Hospital

A doctor:

1. earns CONMESS salary

2. receives hazard and call duty allowances

3. may earn more due to shifts and workload

This makes health sector pay unique.

Breakdown of Salaries by Specific Ministries and Agencies in Nigeria (2026/2027) According to the Approved National Minimum Wage

Important Documents and Requirements for Government Salary Placement

To be placed correctly on salary scale, applicants must provide:

1. Appointment letter

2. Educational certificates

3. NYSC certificate (or exemption)

4. Birth certificate/declaration of age

5. Valid ID

6. Bank details

7. Medical fitness certificate

Failure to submit correct documents can delay salary commencement.

Mistakes Nigerians Make About Government Salaries

1) Assuming all government jobs pay the same

This is the biggest misunderstanding.

2) Ignoring allowance structure

Allowances can be the difference between moderate and high take-home.

3) Not considering posting location

Some postings come with additional benefits.

4) Chasing salary alone without career fit

High pay agencies demand performance and technical competence.

Professional Advice: How to Choose the Best Government Employer

If you are a job seeker in 2026/2027, choose based on your priorities.

If you want high income:

Target revenue and regulatory agencies.

If you want stability:

Target core ministries and civil service roles.

If you want international exposure:

Target Foreign Affairs, Immigration, Trade agencies.

If you want long-term professional growth:

Target agencies with training culture (CBN, NCC, SEC, etc.)

Conclusion: What to Expect in 2026/2027

Government salaries in 2026/2027 will remain shaped by:

1. Minimum wage implementation

2. Inflation pressures

3. Union negotiations

4. Agency-specific welfare systems

5. Government fiscal capacity

The best way to succeed is to:

• understand structures

• target the right agencies

• build relevant skills

• prepare seriously for recruitment