The salary structure of federal government workers in Nigeria is organized using different grading systems and levels. These structures help the government decide how much each worker earns based on their skills, qualifications, experience, and job responsibilities. Understanding how the salary system works is important for job seekers, students, and workers planning their careers in the public sector.
Main Salary Structures Used by the Federal Government
Federal government workers are paid through different salary systems. Each system covers different types of workers.
CONPSS – Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure
This is the salary structure used for most general federal workers. It covers workers in ministries, agencies, and government offices that are not health or teaching related.
CONMESS – Consolidated Medical Salary Structure
This structure is for doctors and medical specialists working with the Federal Government.
CONHESS – Consolidated Health Salary Structure
This covers nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and other health professionals.
CONTISS – Consolidated Tertiary Institution Salary Structure
This is used for non-academic staff in federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
CONUASS – Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure
This is the salary structure for lecturers in federal universities.
CONRAISS – Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure
This structure covers workers in research institutes like NAFDAC, NASRDA, and agricultural research centers.
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How Salary Levels Are Arranged in the Federal Civil Service
Federal government salaries follow a grade level and step system.
Grade Levels (GL 1 – GL 17)
- Entry-level jobs: GL 1–6
- Mid-level jobs: GL 7–10
- Senior-level jobs: GL 12–14
- Director-level: GL 15–17
Steps
Each grade level has 15 steps, and workers move up based on years of service.
Average Monthly Salaries of Federal Government Workers
Below is a simple breakdown of estimated average monthly salaries under the federal civil service (CONPSS). These are approximate figures and can vary by ministry or agency.
Entry Level Workers
GL 1–3 Workers
₦40,000 – ₦55,000 per month
GL 4–6 Workers
₦60,000 – ₦90,000 per month
Graduate Entry Level
GL 7 Workers
₦80,000 – ₦120,000 per month
(This level is for fresh university graduates.)
GL 8 Workers
₦100,000 – ₦150,000 per month
GL 9 Workers
₦120,000 – ₦170,000 per month
Mid-Level Staff
GL 10–12 Workers
₦150,000 – ₦250,000 per month
Senior Staff
GL 13–14 Workers
₦300,000 – ₦500,000 per month
Director-Level
GL 15–17 Workers
₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000+ per month
Salary Structure for Specialized Federal Occupations
Some major federal professions have special salary structures. Below is a breakdown.
Salaries of Federal Health Workers
Medical Doctors (CONMESS)
House Officers
₦250,000 – ₦300,000 per month
Resident Doctors
₦380,000 – ₦600,000 per month
Consultants
₦800,000 – ₦1,500,000+ per month
Nurses and Health Professionals (CONHESS)
₦120,000 – ₦350,000 per month depending on level and experience.
Salaries of University Staff
Lecturers (CONUASS)
Graduate Assistant
₦150,000 – ₦180,000 per month
Assistant Lecturer
₦180,000 – ₦220,000 per month
Lecturer II
₦220,000 – ₦280,000 per month
Lecturer I
₦280,000 – ₦350,000 per month
Senior Lecturer
₦380,000 – ₦500,000 per month
Associate Professor & Professor
₦500,000 – ₦1,000,000+ per month
Non-Academic Staff (CONTISS)
₦80,000 – ₦350,000 per month depending on grade level.
Salaries of Federal Agencies and Parastatals
Some agencies pay higher because they generate revenue or handle sensitive national duties.
Examples
- CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria): ₦300,000 – ₦2,000,000 per month
- FIRS (Federal Inland Revenue Service): ₦250,000 – ₦1,500,000 per month
- NNPC Ltd: ₦300,000 – ₦1,800,000 per month
- NALDA/NABDA/Research Institutes: ₦120,000 – ₦400,000 per month
Factors That Affect Federal Government Salary
Education Level
Higher qualifications lead to higher grade levels and better pay.
Years of Experience
More years mean higher steps and bigger salaries.
Job Responsibility
Sensitive or technical roles earn more.
Ministry or Agency
Revenue-generating agencies usually pay higher.
Conclusion
The salary structure for federal government workers in Nigeria is organized into different systems to suit different professions. While the pay varies, government jobs remain attractive because of job security, pension benefits, and career growth opportunities. Whether you want to work in health, education, administration, or research, understanding the salary structure helps you plan better for your career.
FAQs
What is the lowest salary for federal government workers in Nigeria?
The lowest salaries fall between ₦40,000 and ₦55,000 monthly for workers on Grade Level 1–3.
How much do Nigerian graduates earn in federal jobs?
Fresh graduates on Grade Level 7 earn between ₦80,000 and ₦120,000 per month depending on the ministry or agency.
Do federal government workers get allowances?
Yes, many workers get allowances such as housing, transport, uniform, hazard, and meal allowances depending on their job.
Which federal agency pays the highest salary?
Organizations like CBN, NNPC Ltd, and FIRS are among the highest-paying federal agencies in Nigeria.
Do federal government salaries increase every year?
Salaries may increase due to promotions, step upgrades, or government-approved salary reviews.
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