Last Updated: October 6, 2025

Quick Summary:
Nigeria Customs Service officers earn between ₦70,000 and over ₦3 million monthly, depending on rank and qualifications. Entry-level positions start at Customs Assistant (SSCE holders), whilst graduate officers begin as Assistant Superintendents. Beyond basic salary, officers receive substantial allowances that can nearly double their total monthly income.

What You’ll Earn in the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025

If you’re considering a career with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), understanding the salary structure is crucial for making an informed decision. The NCS operates under the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), which determines pay based on your rank, educational qualifications, and years of service.

Following the adjustment of the National Minimum Wage to ₦70,000 in July 2024, the NCS salary structure has been revised upward. Entry-level officers now earn significantly more than they did in previous years, making the service increasingly attractive to qualified Nigerians seeking stable government employment.

Entry-Level Salary by Qualification

Your starting salary in the Nigeria Customs Service depends entirely on your educational background:

• SSCE Holders: ₦70,000 – ₦85,000 monthly (Customs Assistant II)
• ND/NCE Holders: ₦78,000 – ₦91,000 monthly (Assistant Inspector of Customs)
• HND/BSc Graduates: ₦97,500 – ₦114,500 monthly (Assistant Superintendent II)

These figures represent basic monthly salaries before allowances, which we’ll explore in detail below.

Complete NCS Ranks and Salary Structure (2025)

The Nigeria Customs Service follows a hierarchical ranking system similar to other paramilitary organisations in Nigeria. Here’s the comprehensive breakdown of all ranks from lowest to highest:

Junior Ranks (Non-Commissioned Officers)

Rank: Customs Assistant II (CA II)
Qualification: SSCE
Monthly Salary: ₦70,000 – ₦85,000
Annual Salary: ₦840,000 – ₦1,020,000

Rank: Customs Assistant I (CA I)
Qualification: SSCE + Experience
Monthly Salary: ₦85,000 – ₦100,000
Annual Salary: ₦1,020,000 – ₦1,200,000

Rank: Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC)
Qualification: ND/NCE
Monthly Salary: ₦78,750 – ₦91,667
Annual Salary: ₦945,000 – ₦1,100,000

Rank: Inspector of Customs (IC)
Qualification: ND/HND
Monthly Salary: ₦86,667 – ₦104,167
Annual Salary: ₦1,040,000 – ₦1,250,000

Superintendent Cadre (Commissioned Officers)

Rank: Assistant Superintendent II (ASC II)
Qualification: HND/BSc
Monthly Salary: ₦97,500 – ₦114,583
Annual Salary: ₦1,170,000 – ₦1,375,000

Rank: Assistant Superintendent I (ASC I)
Qualification: HND/BSc + Experience
Monthly Salary: ₦110,000 – ₦125,000
Annual Salary: ₦1,320,000 – ₦1,500,000

Rank: Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSC)
Qualification: Graduate + Experience
Monthly Salary: ₦115,000 – ₦130,000
Annual Salary: ₦1,380,000 – ₦1,560,000

Rank: Superintendent of Customs (SC)
Qualification: Graduate + Years of Service
Monthly Salary: ₦120,000 – ₦140,000
Annual Salary: ₦1,440,000 – ₦1,680,000

Rank: Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC)
Qualification: Senior Rank
Monthly Salary: ₦120,000 – ₦145,833
Annual Salary: ₦1,440,000 – ₦1,750,000

Senior Management Ranks

Rank: Assistant Comptroller (AC)
Monthly Salary: ₦130,417 – ₦156,250
Annual Salary: ₦1,565,000 – ₦1,875,000

Rank: Deputy Comptroller (DC)
Monthly Salary: ₦170,833 – ₦187,500
Annual Salary: ₦2,050,000 – ₦2,250,000

Rank: Comptroller of Customs (CC)
Monthly Salary: ₦180,833 – ₦208,333
Annual Salary: ₦2,170,000 – ₦2,500,000

Top Leadership

Rank: Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG)
Monthly Salary: ₦250,000 – ₦270,833
Annual Salary: ₦3,000,000 – ₦3,250,000

Rank: Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG)
Monthly Salary: ₦280,000 – ₦310,000 (estimated)
Annual Salary: ₦3,360,000 – ₦3,720,000

Rank: Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC)
Monthly Salary: ₦300,000+ (estimated)
Annual Salary: ₦3,600,000+

Important Note: These figures are approximate and based on available information and the revised minimum wage structure. The NCS does not publicly publish official salary scales. Actual take-home pay may vary based on duty location, years of service, and individual allowances.

Allowances

Don’t worry if the basic salaries seem modest—the real earning potential lies in the comprehensive allowances package. Nigeria Customs Service officers receive numerous allowances that can significantly boost their total monthly income, sometimes nearly doubling it.

Standard Allowances for All Officers

Transport Allowance: Covers commuting costs to and from duty posts. The amount varies by rank and location.

Uniform Allowance: Annual provision for purchasing and maintaining official uniforms and kits.

Utility Allowance: Assists with electricity and water bills.

Meal Subsidy: Daily allowance for feeding during official duty hours.

Housing Allowance: Provided to officers not accommodated in government quarters. This is one of the most substantial allowances.

Special Duty Allowances

Hazard Allowance: Substantial additional pay for officers posted to border zones, seaports, airports, or high-risk areas. Officers working at land borders typically receive higher hazard allowances due to the nature of their duties.

Shift Duty Allowance: Extra compensation for officers working night shifts or irregular hours.

Special Duty Allowance: For officers assigned to special operations or investigations.

Torchlight/Detective Allowance: For officers engaged in surveillance and intelligence work.

Hardship Allowance: Officers posted to remote or challenging locations receive additional compensation.

Senior Officers’ Additional Benefits

Furniture Allowance: Provision for furnishing official or personal accommodation.

House Maintenance Allowance: For upkeep of residential quarters.

General Services Allowance: Covers miscellaneous official expenses.

Personal Servant Allowance: Available for entitled senior officers.

Leave Grant: Annual allowance when proceeding on official leave.

Medical and Welfare Benefits

Beyond monetary allowances, NCS officers enjoy:

• Comprehensive medical coverage for themselves and their immediate family
• Access to Customs hospitals and clinics nationwide
• Pension scheme under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS)
• Housing loan facilities through cooperative societies
• Group life insurance coverage

Pro tip: When calculating your potential earnings, factor in allowances alongside basic salary. A Deputy Superintendent earning a ₦115,000 basic salary could take home ₦ 200,000 or more monthly when allowances are included.

How to Move Up the Ranks

The Nigeria Customs Service offers clear promotion pathways based on performance, qualifications, and years of service. Understanding how progression works helps you plan your career trajectory.

SSCE Holders’ Progression Path

Starting as a Customs Assistant II, you can advance through the ranks by:

1. Acquiring additional qualifications: Obtaining an ND, NCE, HND, or degree whilst in service opens doors to higher cadres
2. Consistent performance: Annual appraisals determine eligibility for promotion
3. Years of service: Typically spending 3-4 years at each level before advancement
4. Professional development: Attending Customs training programmes enhances promotion prospects

Graduate Officers’ Fast Track

HND and BSc holders enter at the Superintendent Cadre (Assistant Superintendent II), which offers:

• Faster progression to senior ranks
• Earlier eligibility for management positions
• Access to specialised training and international courses
• Potential to reach Comptroller level within 20-25 years of service

Key Factors Affecting Promotion

Performance Appraisals: Your annual performance evaluation has a significant impact on promotion timing. Excellent ratings can accelerate advancement.

Educational Advancement: Officers who pursue higher degrees (Master’s, PhD) whilst serving often receive preferential consideration for senior positions.

Professional Conduct: Disciplinary issues can delay or derail promotions, whilst commendations and awards enhance your profile.

Vacancies: Promotion also depends on available positions at higher ranks, which is why some officers spend longer at certain levels.

How Your Qualification Determines Your Starting Point

Your educational background is the primary determinant of where you begin your Customs career. Here’s what to expect based on your certificates:

SSCE Certificate Holders

Entry Rank: Customs Assistant II (CA II)
Starting Salary: ₦70,000 – ₦85,000 monthly
Career Outlook: Whilst you start at the lowest rank, dedication and additional qualifications can propel you upward. Many current senior officers began with just SSCE certificates.

National Diploma (ND) or NCE Holders

Entry Rank: Assistant Inspector of Customs or Inspector of Customs
Starting Salary: ₦78,750 – ₦104,167 monthly
Career Outlook: ND holders occupy the middle ground, with better starting positions than SSCE holders but below graduate officers. You can advance to the superintendent cadre with additional qualifications.

HND or BSc Graduates

Entry Rank: Assistant Superintendent II (ASC II)
Starting Salary: ₦97,500 – ₦114,583 monthly
Career Outlook: Graduate officers enjoy the best entry positions and fastest progression routes. You’re immediately commissioned as an officer and can realistically target senior management roles.

Postgraduate Degree Holders

Entry Rank: Potentially Deputy Superintendent or higher, depending on experience and service needs
Starting Salary: ₦115,000+ monthly
Career Outlook: Officers with Master’s degrees or relevant professional qualifications may enter at higher levels, particularly if they possess specialised skills in areas like ICT, law, or international trade.

Important: Academic qualifications alone don’t guarantee recruitment. You must pass the NCS recruitment examination, physical fitness tests, medical screening, and background checks.

Comparing NCS Salaries with Other Paramilitary Agencies

Wondering how Customs salaries stack up against similar organisations? Here’s a quick comparison:

The Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Federal Fire Service all operate under the CONPASS salary structure. This means officers at equivalent ranks in these organisations earn similar basic salaries.

Compared to the Nigerian Police Force and Nigerian Army (which use different salary structures), Customs officers generally receive more stable and transparent compensation packages, particularly at junior and mid-level ranks.

What Affects Your Actual Take-Home Pay

Your monthly salary isn’t just about your rank; it’s also about your responsibilities. Several factors influence what you actually receive:

Border Posts: Officers stationed at land borders (Seme, Idiroko, Jibia, etc.) receive higher hazard and hardship allowances.

Seaports and airports, such as Apapa, Tin Can, and Port Harcourt, offer substantial allowances due to the volume and complexity of their operations.

Headquarters Positions: Officers at the National Headquarters in Abuja may receive different allowance structures, often including enhanced transport and housing allowances.

Remote Locations: Postings to less developed areas are accompanied by additional hardship allowances to compensate for the limited amenities.

Deductions

Remember that your gross salary includes deductions for:

• Pension contributions (8% of basic salary)
• National Housing Fund (2.5%)
• Cooperative society deductions (if enrolled)
• Tax (though relatively minimal at lower ranks)

Disclaimer: This information is compiled from publicly available sources, previous recruitment cycles, and the revised national minimum wage structure. Salary figures and information are approximate and have not been officially confirmed by the Nigeria Customs Service. Always verify current details on the official NCS website and through official government channels. Recruitment into the Nigeria Customs Service is entirely free—do not pay anyone claiming to facilitate your employment.