The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) remains one of Nigeria’s most respected paramilitary institutions, tasked with combating drug trafficking, abuse, and other narcotic-related crimes.

Since its establishment under Decree #48 of 29 December 1989, the agency has grown into a key pillar in Nigeria’s internal security architecture, enforcing drug laws at airports, seaports, borders, and within communities.

As a federal agency, NDLEA offers competitive salaries and allowances based on rank, qualification, and years of service. Whether you’re an SSCE holder, an ND/NCE graduate, or an HND/B.Sc degree holder, your entry point and earnings depend on your educational level.

This article provides a full breakdown of NDLEA salaries in 2025, ranks, allowances, training pay, welfare benefits, and entry requirements according to the NDLEA recruitment website.

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Overview of NDLEA Salary Structure 2025

NDLEA salaries follow the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), the same used by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NSCDC, and FRSC.

An officer’s pay depends on:

• Educational qualification

• Rank or cadre

• Years of service

• Duty location and posting

Simply put, the higher your qualification and rank, the higher your salary.

NDLEA Ranks

NDLEA officers are grouped into three major cadres:

1. Superintendent Cadre (HND/B.Sc Holders)

Senior officers are responsible for leadership, investigations, and administration.

Ranks:

• Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics II (ASN II)

• Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics I (ASN I)

• 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 Chief Commander of Narcotics (ACCN)

• Deputy Chief Commander of Narcotics (DCCN)

• Chief Commander of Narcotics (CCN)

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2. Narcotic Agent Cadre (ND/NCE Holders)

Field operatives involved in intelligence gathering and enforcement.

Ranks:

• Chief Narcotic Agent (CNA)

• Senior Narcotic Agent (SNA)

• Narcotic Agent (NA)

• Assistant Narcotic Agent (ANA)

3. Narcotic Assistant Cadre (SSCE Holders)

Support staff handling basic administrative and operational duties.

Ranks:

• Narcotic Assistant I (NA I)

• Narcotic Assistant II (NA II)

• Narcotic Assistant III (NA III)

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NDLEA Salary Structure 2025 (Estimated Monthly Pay)

NDLEA Allowances and Benefits

NDLEA officers enjoy a wide range of allowances due to the high-risk nature of drug enforcement.

1. Training Allowance/Duration

The NDLEA training allowance for trainees of SSCE holders, Ordinary National Diploma (OND) holders, and National Education Certificate (NCE) holders is around ₦18,000 – ₦28,000. While graduate trainees with Bsc and HND certificates are paid ₦30,000 – ₦47,000, respectively.

2. Uniform and Maintenance Allowance

This covers uniforms, kits, and operational gear.

3. Hazard/Risk Allowance

₦10,000 – ₦50,000 monthly, depending on posting.

4. Duty Tour Allowance

This is paid when officers travel for operations.

5. Housing/Rent Subsidy

Accommodation for senior officers; housing allowance for junior ranks.

6. Medical and Health Insurance

FAQs

Source: Pulse