Highest Paying Parastatals in Nigeria
In Nigeria, parastatals play a vital role in public service delivery, economic development, and national welfare. These government-linked agencies and corporations operate in diverse sectors — from banking and energy to telecommunications and infrastructure. For many job seekers, the salary and benefits offered by parastatals are key factors when choosing a career path.
This detailed guide explores the top 20 highest paying parastatals in Nigeria, what makes them stand out, the salary ranges you can expect, and how they compare in terms of career growth and benefits.
What Are Parastatals?
In Nigeria, parastatals are government-owned or government-controlled organizations created to manage specific sectors or services. Unlike regular civil service agencies, parastatals often operate with more autonomy and efficiency and may even generate significant revenue.
Examples of Nigerian parastatals include:
- Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)
- Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
- Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
- Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
These agencies frequently offer competitive salaries, allowances, and benefits to attract and retain qualified professionals.
How Salaries in Parastatals Are Structured
Salaries in Nigerian parastatals usually comprise:
- Basic salary
- Allowances (housing, transport, utility, etc.)
- Performance bonuses
- Pension and retirement benefits
- Health insurance and other perks
The total compensation package often makes parastatal jobs more attractive than equivalent roles in the regular public sector.
Top 20 Highest Paying Parastatals in Nigeria
Below is a detailed breakdown of the top 20 parastatals where employees earn the highest salaries, allowances, and benefits. Salaries are approximate and can vary based on job role, experience, and rank.
1. Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC)
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) is Nigeria’s premier oil and gas corporation. It operates across the petroleum value chain and is one of the country’s largest revenue-generating entities.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦300,000 – ₦600,000/month
- Senior management: ₦1,200,000 – ₦3,000,000+/month
NNPC employees are often regarded as among the highest paid in the public sector due to the company’s significant revenue, strategic importance, and high-value allowances.
2. Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
The Nigerian Ports Authority manages and regulates the nation’s seaports. It is responsible for port operations, development, and revenue collection.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦180,000 – ₦300,000/month
- Senior roles: ₦700,000 – ₦1,500,000+/month
NPA offers strong allowances and transport benefits, making it attractive for operational and administrative staff.
3. Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
The Nigerian Communications Commission is the regulatory authority for telecommunications in Nigeria. It licenses operators, enforces standards, and promotes competition in the telecoms sector.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦200,000 – ₦350,000/month
- Senior management: ₦800,000 – ₦1,800,000+/month
NCC stands out for its professional work environment and attractive remuneration packages for engineers, analysts, and executives.
4. Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
FAAN operates and manages all public airports in Nigeria. It is responsible for airport services, safety compliance, and infrastructure development.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦150,000 – ₦280,000/month
- Seasoned professionals: ₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000+/month
Airport planners, engineers, and aviation managers receive competitive allowances and housing benefits.
5. Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)
NERC regulates Nigeria’s electricity industry, setting tariffs, enforcing compliance, and issuing licenses.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦180,000 – ₦310,000/month
- Senior roles: ₦700,000 – ₦1,500,000+/month
Technical staff and regulatory experts enjoy strong remuneration consistent with international benchmarks.
6. Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)
NUPRC regulates upstream oil and gas activities, including exploration and production.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦250,000 – ₦400,000/month
- Senior: ₦900,000 – ₦2,000,000+/month
Given the technical nature of the industry, engineers and geoscientists are in high demand and paid accordingly.
7. Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
FIRS is responsible for tax administration and revenue collection for the federal government.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦120,000 – ₦250,000/month
- Senior tax officers: ₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000+/month
Tax consultants and auditors often receive performance bonuses based on revenue targets.
8. Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)
NCAA regulates civil aviation operations, safety, and licensing in Nigeria.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦140,000 – ₦270,000/month
- Senior roles: ₦600,000 – ₦1,300,000+/month
Aircraft inspectors, safety officers, and aviation experts command higher incomes.
9. Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
NIMASA enforces maritime safety, security, and environmental protection laws in Nigeria’s waters.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦150,000 – ₦280,000/month
- Senior management: ₦650,000 – ₦1,300,000+/month
Maritime surveyors and compliance officers benefit from shipping industry allowances.
10. Nigerian Standards Organisation (SON)
SON ensures product standards, quality assurance, and certification across industries.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦120,000 – ₦230,000/month
- Senior roles: ₦550,000 – ₦1,100,000+/month
Technical inspectors and quality management professionals earn strong packages.
11. Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)
NSIA manages Nigeria’s sovereign wealth funds and invests in strategic sectors.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦250,000 – ₦450,000/month
- Senior roles: ₦900,000 – ₦2,200,000+/month
Finance, investment, and risk management specialists enjoy some of the best pay among parastatals.
12. National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
NAFDAC regulates food, drugs, cosmetics, and related products in Nigeria.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦130,000 – ₦240,000/month
- Senior roles: ₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000+/month
Regulatory officers and lab analysts are well compensated with technical allowances.
13. National Pension Commission (PenCom)
PenCom supervises the pension industry and ensures proper retirement savings administration.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦120,000 – ₦240,000/month
- Senior positions: ₦600,000 – ₦1,150,000+/month
Actuaries, compliance officers, and fund managers are among the highest earners.
14. Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC)
ICRC regulates public-private partnerships and infrastructure projects.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦180,000 – ₦320,000/month
- Senior roles: ₦700,000 – ₦1,400,000+/month
Project finance and infrastructure specialists are often well paid.
15. Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC)
NDIC protects depositors and insures bank deposits against failure.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦140,000 – ₦260,000/month
- Senior positions: ₦600,000 – ₦1,300,000+/month
Bank examiners and risk analysts enjoy strong benefits.
16. National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)
NIMC manages identity registration and national ID card issuance.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦110,000 – ₦220,000/month
- Senior roles: ₦500,000 – ₦1,000,000+/month
IT and data specialists are often higher paid.
17. Nigerian Civil Service Commission (NCSC)
NCSC oversees civil service regulations and career progression.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦110,000 – ₦200,000/month
- Senior management: ₦450,000 – ₦950,000+/month
Policy experts and administrative heads enjoy senior benefits.
18. Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA)
FERMA oversees road maintenance and infrastructure repair programs.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦120,000 – ₦230,000/month
- Senior roles: ₦500,000 – ₦1,100,000+/month
Engineering supervisors and project managers are among the highest paid.
19. Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
SON enforces industrial standards and technical compliance.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦120,000 – ₦240,000/month
- Senior roles: ₦550,000 – ₦1,100,000+/month
Technical inspectors and compliance auditors earn premium pay.
20. Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET)
NiMET provides weather forecasting, climate data, and meteorological services.
Estimated Salary Range:
- Entry level: ₦110,000 – ₦220,000/month
- Senior roles: ₦450,000 – ₦950,000+/month
Meteorologists and climate analysts command higher allowances due to specialized skills.
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Factors That Influence Parastatal Salaries in Nigeria
Many things determine how much employees earn in these agencies:
1. Job Role and Qualification
Technical positions like engineers, IT experts, accountants, and analysts typically earn more than administrative support roles.
2. Experience Level
Seasoned professionals receive higher pay and attractive allowances, especially in managerial and specialist positions.
3. Allowances and Benefits
Apart from basic salaries, many parastatals offer housing, transport, utility allowances, and performance bonuses — significantly boosting take-home pay.
4. Strategic Importance
Parastatals in revenue-generating or critical sectors like energy, finance, and telecoms generally pay more, as seen with NNPC and NCC.
Why Parastatal Jobs Remain Attractive in Nigeria
Parastatal employment is attractive for several reasons:
- Competitive Salaries: Higher pay compared to many civil service roles.
- Job Stability: Long-term employment and structured career progression.
- Benefits: Retirement plans, housing allowances, health coverage.
- Professional Environment: Opportunities for training and skill development.
- National Impact: Many parastatals shape Nigeria’s economic and social infrastructure.
Tips for Getting a High-Paying Parastatal Job
Here are steps you can take to improve your chances:
✔ Acquire Relevant Qualifications
Degrees in engineering, finance, law, IT, and business administration are highly valued.
✔ Gain Professional Certifications
Certifications like ACCA, PMP, CISSP, and others can set you apart.
✔ Internships and NYSC Placement
Many parastatals recruit from NYSC pools and internship programs.
✔ Networking
Connect with professionals in your target parastatal through LinkedIn and industry events.
✔ Prepare for Aptitude Tests
Many parastatals require pre-employment tests and interviews — practice numerical reasoning, verbal skills, and technical aptitude.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s parastatals offer some of the country’s most competitive salary packages, especially for skilled professionals. From NNPC’s top-tier compensation to NCC’s regulatory pay structure, these agencies provide opportunities for growth, stability, and financial reward.
Whether you are a graduate seeking your first job or a seasoned professional exploring a career move, understanding the highest paying parastatals in Nigeria can help you make an informed choice and increase your earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the highest paying parastatal in Nigeria?
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) is widely regarded as the highest paying parastatal due to its significant revenue, premium allowances, and strategic importance.
2. Do parastatals in Nigeria pay better than civil service?
In most cases, yes. Parastatals often offer higher basic salaries, attractive allowances, and performance bonuses compared to standard civil service roles.
3. What qualifications are needed for high-paying parastatal jobs?
Qualifications in engineering, finance, IT, law, and project management are highly competitive and often favored by top paying parastatals.
4. Are allowances included in salary figures?
The figures in this guide include basic salary estimates, but many parastatals also provide housing, transport, utility, and other allowances that significantly increase total earnings.
5. How can I increase my chances of getting a job in a high-paying parastatal?
Focus on gaining relevant professional experience, certifications, strong interview preparation, and networking within industry circles.
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