Immigration salaries for graduates in 2025 depend on entry rank (usually junior officer or graduate cadre), the specific pay grade/scale assigned by the Federal Government, and a mix of allowances (housing, transport, hazard, hardship). Exact net pay varies by rank and postings; verify current figures on the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) official portal and through Arewacampus.com.ng’s regularly updated tracking. Below you’ll find the structure, components, how to estimate take-home pay, and step-by-step verification instructions.
How to check your Nigeria Immigration salary (fast)
- Go to the official Nigeria Immigration Service website at immigration.gov.ng.
- Search the site for “conditions of service”, “salary structure”, or the latest circular on pay scales.
- Check the Federal Government’s consolidated national pay scales or the Office of the Head of the Civil Service circulars for the current year.
- Confirm allowances and grade level with the NIS Finance/HR unit or official recruitment notices published by NIS.
- Cross-check with Arewacampus’s NIS salary report page for summarized updates and estimated take-home calculators.
Understanding the pay structure: base pay vs allowances
Salaries for NIS personnel are made up of two major parts:
- Basic salary (base pay): This is determined by your rank and pay grade. The federal pay scale and the approved salary structure for uniformed services or civil servants sets base amounts for grades.
- Allowances & benefits: These are variable and usually include housing or accommodation allowance, transport or motor/transport allowance, hardship/hazard allowances (for difficult postings), uniform and maintenance allowances, and other statutory benefits (pension contributions, NHIS, etc.).
Important: The final take-home pay is basic salary minus statutory deductions (e.g., tax, pension contributions) plus allowances (some taxable, some not). Always treat published “gross” figures as starting points; what matters for lifestyle is net pay (take-home).
Typical entry ranks for graduates and what they mean
Graduates recruited into NIS typically enter at graduate cadres or junior officer ranks created for degree holders. Exact rank titles can vary depending on recruitment exercise (e.g., graduate cadre, assistant superintendent roles, or similar designations). Entry rank determines pay grade and initial allowances. Promotions follow a mix of time-in-service, examinations, and merit-based evaluations.
Because official rank names and starting pay can change (policy revisions, new pay awards), the most reliable source is NIS’s official recruitment and conditions of service pages.
How promotions affect salary (quick overview)
Promotions in NIS generally increase:
- Basic salary (jump to the next pay grade/step)
- Access to higher allowances (e.g., seniority allowances, command allowances)
- Eligibility for pensionable benefits that reflect your cumulative service
Understanding promotion timelines and requirements helps you estimate long-term earnings and plan for professional development (training, certifications, exams).
Common allowances explained
Allowance names can vary, but frequently encountered ones include:
- Housing/ Accommodation Allowance: Partial or full support for accommodation depending on rank and posting. In some cases, housing is provided on-campus or by the service.
- Transport Allowance: Helps cover commuting or official travel expenses.
- Hardship/Retention/Hazard Allowances: Paid to officers posted to difficult or high-risk locations.
- Uniform & Clothing Allowance: For uniforms, boots, and upkeep.
- Medical and Insurance Benefits: Access to NHIS or service-specific medical arrangements.
Check the NIS conditions of service for the exact list and whether allowances are taxable.
Estimating take-home pay — a safe approach
Because official base pay figures change with national pay awards, here’s a safe method to estimate net pay without relying on potentially outdated numbers:
- Find the base salary for your rank on the NIS or Federal Government pay scale circular.
- Add known allowances relevant to your posting (housing + transport + hazard if applicable).
- Subtract statutory deductions (PAYE tax, pension, NHF and other mandatory contributions).
- The remainder is your approximate take-home pay.
Arewacampus publishes regularly updated sample calculators that walk you through this math; use them alongside official circulars.
Salary Structure for Graduates (2025 Estimate)
Under the CONPASS system, salaries depend on grade level.
Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI II) – CONPASS 08
Monthly Salary: ₦140,000 – ₦160,000
Annual Salary: ₦1,680,000 – ₦1,920,000
Assistant Superintendent of Immigration I (ASI I) – CONPASS 09
Monthly Salary: ₦160,000 – ₦180,000
Annual Salary: ₦1,920,000 – ₦2,160,000
Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) – CONPASS 10
Monthly Salary: ₦180,000 – ₦200,000
Annual Salary: ₦2,160,000 – ₦2,400,000
Superintendent of Immigration (SI) – CONPASS 11
Monthly Salary: ₦200,000 – ₦230,000
Annual Salary: ₦2,400,000 – ₦2,760,000
Chief Superintendent of Immigration (CSI) – CONPASS 12
Monthly Salary: ₦230,000 – ₦260,000
Annual Salary: ₦2,760,000 – ₦3,120,000
Allowances and Benefits
Immigration officers also earn several allowances, which increase total income by 25–40% depending on posting and role:
Housing Allowance
Transport Allowance
Uniform Allowance
Hazard Allowance (for risky or remote areas)
Duty Tour Allowance (DTA)
Salary by Qualification
SSCE Holders: ₦90,000 – ₦110,000 monthly (Immigration Assistant III – IA III)
ND/NCE Holders: ₦120,000 – ₦140,000 monthly (Assistant Inspector – AII)
HND/BSc Holders: ₦140,000 – ₦160,000 monthly (ASI II)
Masters/PGD Holders: May advance faster to ASI I or DSI after a few years
Senior Officer Ranks and Estimated Salaries
DSI: ₦180,000 – ₦200,000
SI: ₦200,000 – ₦230,000
CSI: ₦230,000 – ₦260,000
ACI: ₦250,000 – ₦280,000
DCI: ₦300,000 – ₦350,000
CI: ₦400,000 – ₦500,000+
Assistant Comptroller-General: ₦600,000 – ₦800,000
Deputy Comptroller-General: ₦900,000 – ₦1,000,000
Comptroller-General (CGI): ₦1.5 million+ monthly
Promotion & Career Growth Summary
Graduates start at ASI II (CONPASS 08)
Entry salary: ₦140,000 – ₦160,000 monthly
Senior officers can earn up to ₦1 million+ monthly
Promotions depend on performance, training, and years of service
Further education helps officers rise faster through the ranks
Benefits beyond salary
Working for the NIS also carries non-monetary and long-term benefits such as:
- Pension and retirement benefits under the relevant pension scheme
- Access to training, professional development, and study leave
- Healthcare via NHIS or service medical facilities
- Official housing or assistance with accommodation in some grades
- Uniforms and equipment supplied by the service
These contribute substantially to total compensation and quality of life, especially for early-career officers.
Regional postings and pay differentials
Posting to certain zones or border areas may carry additional hardship or hazard pay. This means two officers of the same rank can have different net pay depending on their station. Check specific posting circulars and ask HR for the allowance breakdown before accepting a transfer.
Taxation and statutory deductions
PAYE rules apply to salaries in Nigeria. Your employer (NIS) should deduct taxes at source based on the applicable tax bands. Pension contributions (employee portion) are also deducted from salary; employer contributions are paid separately on your behalf. Confirm exact deduction percentages with the NIS payroll or finance unit.
How to verify the exact 2025 salary for your rank — step-by-step
- Confirm your rank title from your appointment letter or NIS HR communication.
- Visit immigration.gov.ng and search for “conditions of service” or “salary structure”.
- Download the latest pay circular or conditions of service document.
- Contact NIS HR/Finance (official contact details on the NIS site) if the circular is unclear or if you have a unique posting.
- Cross-check with Arewacampus salary summary pages for simplified, reader-friendly breakdowns and examples.
Common misconceptions — what NOT to trust
Be wary of social media screenshots claiming “official” salary tables — these are often inaccurate or outdated. Always confirm via the NIS website or an official circular. Also beware of adverts or private “agents” claiming they can secure a higher rank or salary for a fee — these are scams.
Comparing NIS pay with other security agencies
While some agencies have unique allowances or rank structures, the NIS pay is broadly comparable with other federal uniformed services when allowances are accounted for. Differences usually come down to allowances, zone differentials, and ranks rather than base pay alone.
Planning your finances as a new graduate officer
Budgeting tips for early-career officers:
- Create a monthly budget after you know your net pay — prioritize accommodation, food, transport, and savings.
- Keep emergency funds equivalent to 1–3 months of expenses.
- Retain all payment receipts and official documents — you’ll need them for clearance, housing, and future verifications.
Frequently Asked Questions — Nigeria Immigration Salary for Graduate and Rank 2025
1. What is the starting salary for a graduate joining the Nigeria Immigration Service in 2025?
Starting salary depends on the entry rank and the applicable federal pay scale for that rank. Exact figures are published in NIS circulars and summarized by Arewacampus. Use the verification steps above to get the official number.
2. Which allowances are included in an NIS officer’s salary?
Common allowances include housing/accommodation, transport, hardship/hazard (for difficult postings), uniform allowance, and medical benefits; exact allowances depend on rank and posting.
3. Are allowances taxable?
Some allowances are taxable while others may be partially exempt. Confirm the tax status of each allowance with NIS payroll or the finance unit.
4. How often are NIS salaries reviewed?
Salaries are typically reviewed following national pay awards or specific service-level adjustments announced via official circulars. Reviews are not necessarily annual.
5. Do graduates get different pay than non-graduates?
Yes. Graduates usually enter at specific graduate cadres or officer ranks that attract higher pay grades compared to non-graduate entry levels.
6. How does promotion impact salary?
Promotion moves you to a higher pay grade and often increases allowances; long-term, promotions significantly raise cumulative earnings and pension benefits.
7. Can postings change my allowances?
Yes — postings to hardship or border areas can add hazard or hardship allowances, while postings to major urban centres may reduce such extras.
8. Where can I download the official NIS salary circular?
Official circulars are normally available on immigration.gov.ng under news or downloads. Arewacampus also links to and summarizes these documents for easier reading.
9. Is NIS pay competitive with other federal security services?
When allowances and benefits are included, NIS pay is broadly comparable with other federal uniformed services; specific differences hinge on allowances and posting differentials.
10. How do I calculate my net pay?
Take your basic salary, add allowances, then subtract statutory deductions (PAYE tax, pension contributions, and any approved loan deductions) to estimate net pay.
11. Do I get a housing allocation as a new officer?
Some ranks receive accommodation or housing support; others receive housing allowances instead. Confirm on appointment and in the conditions of service.
12. Are there special allowances for officers on border duty?
Yes. Officers on border or hazardous duties are often eligible for additional hazard/hardship allowances.
13. How is PAYE tax handled on NIS salaries?
PAYE is deducted at source by the employer (NIS). You should receive documentation showing deductions and the net amount credited to your bank.
14. Do NIS officers get pension contributions?
Yes. Pension contributions are made under the relevant pension scheme; the employee’s portion is deducted from salary and the employer contributes separately.
15. Are allowances paid monthly or quarterly?
Allowances are typically paid monthly as part of payroll, but some special payments or reimbursements may be handled differently — check with payroll for your schedule.
16. How do I confirm my assigned pay grade after recruitment?
Your appointment letter and the NIS HR/Payroll office should explicitly state the pay grade and initial rank. Keep the appointment letter for verification.
17. Can I appeal my designated pay grade?
If you believe there was an error, raise it formally with NIS HR and provide supporting documents. Keep communication professional and well-documented.
18. Do NIS salaries include overtime or extra duty pay?
Overtime or extra-duty compensations are sometimes available for specific assignments; eligibility and rates are defined in service circulars.
19. Will transfers between posts affect my net salary immediately?
Transfers that change allowances (e.g., moving from hardship posting to an urban posting) will affect net pay from the payroll run covering the transfer date.
20. Does NIS provide allowances for dependents?
Dependents’ allowances are not standard; however, certain benefits like family medical coverage may be available depending on rank and policy — confirm with HR.
21. Are details of salary structure public?
Yes — salary circulars and conditions of service are public documents. They’re published on official portals and summarized by trusted outlets like Arewacampus.
22. How can I keep updated on salary changes?
Follow the NIS official website and Arewacampus for consolidated, reader-friendly updates. Also monitor Federal Government pay announcements.
23. Do I need to provide bank details for payroll?
Yes. Payroll will require verified bank account details; ensure your name and account number match to avoid delays in salary payment.
24. Is there a probation period affecting salary?
Probation conditions vary; base pay is usually effective from appointment, but some allowances or benefits may be confirmed after successful completion of probation.
25. How is NIS salary paid (bank transfer, cash)?
Salary is typically paid via bank transfer to the account you register with payroll. Confirm the payroll schedule and bank processing times.
26. Are promotion exams paid for by NIS?
Training and exam arrangements differ; some training activities are sponsored by the service, while others may be the officer’s responsibility — check training circulars.
27. Can I earn additional income legally while serving?
Official permission may be required for external employment; many services restrict secondary employment to avoid conflicts of interest. Ask HR for policy details.
28. What happens to salary on retirement?
Retirement benefits, including gratuity and pension, are determined by cumulative service, rank at retirement, and contributions made during service. Confirm with the pension office for exact calculations.
29. Are allowances reviewed separately from basic pay?
Yes. Allowances can be reviewed or adjusted independently of basic pay, often in response to policy changes or cost-of-living adjustments.
30. Where can I get a simplified salary breakdown for my rank?
Arewacampus publishes simplified, example-based breakdowns of NIS salaries. Use our guides alongside official circulars for quick clarity and sample calculations.
Final notes and practical next steps
To be 100% certain about your Nigeria Immigration salary for graduate and rank in 2025, always verify via official NIS circulars and your appointment letter. Arewacampus will continue to update this article if NIS or the Federal Government publishes new pay awards. Bookmark the canonical page (arewacampus.com.ng/nigeria-immigration-salary) and check the NIS site for primary documents.
If you want, Arewacampus can create a personalized salary estimate for your exact rank and posting — paste your appointment details and we’ll walk through the math.