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Nigeria Fire Service Salary 2025 |
Explore Nigeria Fire Service salary 2025 breakdown: how much firefighters earn, rank-based pay, allowances, benefits, and career progression in the Federal Fire Service.
As Nigeria continues to modernize its public services, many young professionals and job seekers are keenly interested in fulfilling careers that offer stability, decent pay, and opportunities for advancement. Among the most important questions prospective employees ask is about compensation — especially when considering a role in the Federal Fire Service (FFS). This article dives deeply into Nigeria Fire Service salary 2025, explaining how much fire service personnel earn, how the pay structure works, and what allowances and benefits come with serving in this critical emergency response sector.
Whether you’re a recruit, a mid-career officer, or simply curious about public service pay, this guide gives you an up-to-date, expert-level overview of salaries and earning potential in the Nigerian Fire Service.
Introduction to the Federal Fire Service (FFS)
The Federal Fire Service is one of Nigeria’s frontline emergency response agencies, dedicated to fighting fires, rescuing victims of disasters, and safeguarding lives and property across the country. Operated under the Civil Defence, Fire, Correctional and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), the Fire Service offers structured ranks and clear pay grades for its personnel — similar to other paramilitary services in Nigeria.
Understanding Nigeria Fire Service salary 2025 helps applicants set realistic expectations about earning potential and progression as they embark on or plan a career in firefighting and public safety.
How Pay Is Structured in the Fire Service
Fire Service salaries in Nigeria are determined by the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS) — the same system used for agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Correctional Service. Salaries depend heavily on rank, grade level, qualifications, years of service, and additional allowances.
CONPASS and Fire Service Grades
- Entry-level roles start at CONPASS 03 or 04
- Mid-career ranks fall between CONPASS 06 – CONPASS 10
- Senior officers advance through CONPASS 11 – CONPASS 17
Each grade level corresponds to a specific pay range, which grows consistently as officers gain experience and rise in rank.
Entry-Level Salaries: Starting Pay in 2025
Your educational background significantly influences where you begin your career in the Fire Service:
SSCE/WAEC Holders
For recruits entering with a secondary school certificate:
- Fire Assistant III (CONPASS 03): ₦70,000 – ₦85,000 per month
- Fire Assistant II (CONPASS 04): ₦85,000 – ₦105,000 per month
These figures represent base pay and may vary slightly depending on location and internal policy updates.
OND/NCE Graduates
Diploma holders typically begin higher:
- Fire Assistant I or Assistant Inspector of Fire: ₦90,000 – ₦120,000 per month
- These roles combine core firefighting duties with more technical responsibilities.
Degree Holders (HND/BSc)
University graduates qualify for officer-track roles:
- Fire Officer II or Assistant Fire Superintendent II: Around ₦150,000 – ₦230,000 monthly
- Mid-career progression can lead to higher positions and corresponding wages.
Important Note: Entry-level salaries now reflect Nigeria’s minimum wage of ₦70,000, implemented in 2024 and rolled into public service salaries for 2025, uplifting basic pay across the board.
Mid-Career and Senior Salaries
As officers progress through the ranks, their monthly pay increases significantly. Here’s a snapshot of mid-career and senior pay brackets for 2025:
Mid-Level Officer Salaries
| Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) | Approx. Annual (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Inspector (CONPASS 07) | ₦155,000–₦175,000 | ₦1,860,000–₂,100,000 |
| Chief Fire Inspector (CONPASS 08) | ₦185,000–₦210,000 | ₦2,220,000–₦2,520,000 |
| Assistant Fire Superintendent (CONPASS 09) | ₦230,000–₦260,000 | ₦2,760,000–₦3,120,000 |
| Fire Superintendent (CONPASS 10/11) | ₦420,000–₦470,000 | ₦5,040,000–₦5,640,000 |
Senior Management Salaries
| Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) | Approx. Annual (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Fire Superintendent (CONPASS 12) | ₦570,000–₦670,000 | ₦6,840,000–₦8,040,000 |
| Assistant Fire Controller (CONPASS 13) | ₦800,000–₦900,000 | ₦9,600,000–₦10,800,000 |
| Deputy Fire Controller (CONPASS 14) | ₦1,100,000–₦1,300,000 | ₦13,200,000–₦15,600,000 |
| Fire Controller (CONPASS 15) | ₦1,600,000–₦1,900,000 | ₦19,200,000–₦22,800,000 |
| Deputy Controller General | ₦2,200,000–₦2,500,000 | ₦26,400,000–₦30,000,000 |
| Controller General | ₦2,800,000+ | ₦33,600,000+ |
These salary bands demonstrate the career earning potential within the Fire Service, highlighting how long-term service and promotions can lead to significant pay increases.
Allowances and Benefits: Enhancing Overall Pay
In addition to basic salary, Fire Service personnel receive a range of allowances designed to support the demanding and sometimes high-risk nature of their jobs. These include:
Common Allowances
- Fire Risk/Hazard Allowance: ₦30,000 – ₦70,000 monthly
- Emergency Response Allowance: ₦25,000 – ₦50,000 monthly
- Housing Allowance: ₦40,000 – ₦130,000 (location dependent)
- Equipment/Maintenance Allowance: ₦15,000 – ₦35,000 monthly
- Training Allowance during initial paramilitary education: ₦15,000 – ₦45,000 monthly
These allowances reflect the agency’s recognition of the dangers associated with firefighting duties and help boost net income beyond base pay.
Other Perks
- Life and Health Insurance: Often includes enhanced coverage due to job risk
- Medical Coverage: Premium or subsidized healthcare for personnel and sometimes families
- Pension and Retirement Benefits: Structured under government pension schemes
- Professional Training and Career Development opportunities
These benefits not only enhance compensation but also improve long-term welfare and job satisfaction.
Career Progression and Earning Growth
Promotion within the Nigerian Fire Service is structured and merit-based. Officers can expect pay increases through:
- Rank promotions (e.g., from Fire Assistant to Fire Officer roles)
- Years of service increments (incremental raises based on tenure)
- Further training and qualifications (fire safety certifications or advanced degrees)
For instance, a graduate entering as an Assistant Fire Superintendent with a BSc may, over a decade of service, rise to middle or senior management ranks — dramatically increasing salary and benefits.
Comparing Federal and State Fire Service Pay
While this article focuses on the Federal Fire Service (FFS) salary 2025, it is important to note that state fire services may have separate pay structures. State fire services often pay slightly lower basic salaries due to budget variations, though allowances can make up some differences. Salaries in states like Lagos or Abuja tend to be higher to offset cost-of-living demands.
Why Fire Service Salary Matters in 2025
With rising inflation and cost of living pressures, understanding the fire service salary 2025 is crucial for:
- Career planning
- Financial forecasting for families
- Making decisions about long-term public service
- Comparing firefighting roles with other paramilitary agencies
Moreover, the Nigerian government’s implementation of a new minimum wage and updated welfare policies for retirees — such as lifetime benefits for senior officers — reflects ongoing efforts to improve compensation and officer morale.
Thinking about joining the Nigeria Fire Service?
Review the official CONPASS salary bands, evaluate your qualification level, and consider how allowances boost your total income. Then prepare your application through the CDCFIB portal and start planning for a rewarding career protecting lives and property nationwide.
Conclusion: Climbing the Pay Ladder in the Fire Service
The Nigeria Fire Service salary 2025 offers a structured and transparent path for earnings that grow with rank, experience, and responsibility. From entry-level firefighters earning above the national minimum wage to senior controllers commanding multi-million-naira annual compensation, the Fire Service provides:
- Stable basic salaries
- Multiple allowances
- Pension and welfare benefits
- Clear promotion pathways
By understanding these salary structures and planning for professional development, motivated personnel can enjoy financial growth alongside the honor of serving their communities.
