Nigeria Immigration Service Salary 2026, Ranks, and Allowances (NIS)

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is a federal paramilitary agency under the Federal Ministry of Interior, tasked with border management, immigration enforcement, issuance of passports and travel documents, and ensuring national security. Serving in the Immigration Service offers a stable career, structured salary, allowances, and professional development opportunities.

In 2026, the salary structure of the NIS is designed to reward officers based on rank, educational qualification, and years of service. This article provides a detailed guide to the Nigeria Immigration Service salary, ranks, and allowances for 2026.

Ranks in Nigeria Immigration Service

The ranks in NIS are divided into three main cadres: Assistant Cadre (SSCE holders), Inspectorate Cadre (NCE/ND holders), and Superintendent Cadre (HND/B.Sc holders). Each cadre has its own entry-level ranks and progression pathway.

1. Assistant Cadre (SSCE Holders)

This is the entry-level cadre for SSCE holders. The ranks include:

• Immigration Assistant III (IA III) – Entry-level, performing basic field duties
• Immigration Assistant II (IA II) – After some experience and training
• Immigration Assistant I (IA I) – Supervisory role over junior assistants
• Senior Immigration Assistant II (SIA II)
• Senior Immigration Assistant I (SIA I) – Highest rank within the Assistant Cadre

Roles include assisting senior officers in border control, conducting inspections, administrative support, and patrolling immigration checkpoints.

2. Inspectorate Cadre (NCE/ND Holders)

This cadre is for mid-level officers with NCE or ND qualifications. The ranks include:

• Assistant Immigration Officer (AIO) – Entry-level for NCE/ND holders
• Immigration Officer II (IO II)
• Immigration Officer I (IO I)
• Senior Immigration Officer (SIO) – Highest rank for NCE/ND holders

Roles include supervising junior officers, managing immigration posts, coordinating passport issuance, and enforcing immigration laws.

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

This is the senior cadre for HND or B.Sc holders. The ranks include:

• Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI II)
• Assistant Superintendent of Immigration I (ASI I)
• Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI)
• Superintendent of Immigration (SI)
• Chief Superintendent of Immigration (CSI)
• Assistant Comptroller of Immigration (ACI)
• Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI)
• Comptroller of Immigration (CI)
• Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG)
• Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG)
• Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI) – Topmost rank

Roles include leadership, strategic operations, policy implementation, and high-level administrative duties.

Salary Structure 2026

Salaries in the Nigeria Immigration Service are determined by the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS). Below is the estimated monthly salary by rank for 2026:

Assistant Cadre (SSCE Holders)

• IA III: ₦40,000 – ₦45,000
• IA II: ₦46,000 – ₦50,000
• IA I: ₦52,000 – ₦60,000
• SIA II: ₦65,000 – ₦70,000
• SIA I: ₦75,000 – ₦85,000

Inspectorate Cadre (NCE/ND Holders)

• AIO: ₦95,000 – ₦110,000
• IO II: ₦115,000 – ₦130,000
• IO I: ₦135,000 – ₦150,000
• SIO: ₦160,000 – ₦180,000

Superintendent Cadre (HND/B.Sc Holders)

• ASI II: ₦170,000 – ₦190,000
• ASI I: ₦200,000 – ₦220,000
• DSI: ₦230,000 – ₦250,000
• SI: ₦260,000 – ₦300,000
• CSI: ₦310,000 – ₦350,000
• ACI: ₦360,000 – ₦400,000
• DCI: ₦410,000 – ₦450,000
• CI: ₦460,000 – ₦500,000
• ACG: ₦550,000 – ₦650,000
• DCG: ₦700,000 – ₦800,000
• CGI: ₦900,000 – ₦1,100,000

These figures are basic salaries, exclusive of allowances, which significantly increase total earnings.

Allowances in Nigeria Immigration Service

Officers in the Immigration Service receive multiple allowances, which supplement their salary. These include:

1. Housing Allowance – For officers not residing in government quarters
2. Transport Allowance – Covers commuting and official travel
3. Uniform Allowance – Maintenance and replacement of official uniforms
4. Hazard/Operational Allowance – For high-risk deployments or operations
5. Medical Allowance – Healthcare support for officers and dependents
6. Meal Subsidy – Part of welfare support
7. Training Allowance – Paid during official training programs
8. Leave Allowance – Paid during approved leave periods
9. Pension and Gratuity – Upon retirement under the federal contributory pension scheme

These allowances make working in the Immigration Service financially rewarding and help officers focus on their duties.

Promotion and Career Growth

Promotion within the NIS depends on:

• Years of service
• Performance and conduct
• Acquisition of additional qualifications

Typical promotion path:

SSCE holders → NCE/ND holders → HND/B.Sc holders → Superintendent → Comptroller ranks → Comptroller-General

Promotion brings higher salary, increased allowances, and leadership responsibilities, making the Immigration Service a long-term career option.

Conclusion

The Nigeria Immigration Service salary, ranks, and allowances in 2026 provide a structured, competitive, and attractive career path for Nigerians across educational levels. SSCE holders earn ₦40,000 – ₦85,000, NCE/ND holders earn ₦95,000 – ₦180,000, and HND/B.Sc holders earn ₦170,000 – ₦1,100,000 monthly, with allowances further increasing total compensation.

Joining the Immigration Service is not just a job — it is an opportunity to serve the nation, protect borders, and ensure the safety of Nigerians and visitors, while enjoying career stability, financial rewards, and professional growth.