The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria plays an important role in fighting drug trafficking and abuse within the country. The NDLEA is one of the highest paid paramilitary agency in Nigeria with a rank structure designed to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in its operations. Understanding the ranks and corresponding salaries within the NDLEA is important for both aspiring recruits and the general public just like we did in the FRSC ranks and salary. Now before we talk about the NDLEA salary, let’s start with the ranks in the NDLEA.
NDLEA Ranks
1. Entry-Level Ranks.
The entry level ranks are those that joined the NDLEA with SSCE certificate. Below is the ranks given to them.
- Narcotic Assistant (NA)
The Narcotic Assistant is the entry-level position within the NDLEA. NDLEA officials at this rank are responsible for providing support in various operational activities, including raids, arrests, and surveillance operations. - Narcotic Agent (NA)
Narcotic Agents work alongside Narcotic Assistants, but with more experience and responsibilities. They assist in enforcing drug laws, conducting investigations, and providing intelligence to higher-ranking officers.
2. Middle-Level Ranks:
This ranks is given to those who joined the NDLEA with NCE certificate or National Diploma.
- Superintendent of Narcotics (SN):
Superintendents of Narcotics are mid-level officers responsible for supervising operations in specific regions or departments. They oversee teams of Narcotic Agents and Narcotic Assistants, ensuring compliance with NDLEA regulations and procedures. - Assistant Commander of Narcotics (ACN)
Assistant Commanders of Narcotics hold leadership positions within the NDLEA. They assist senior officers in planning and executing strategic initiatives to fight drug trafficking and abuse. They also coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and government bodies.
3. Senior-Level Ranks
This rank is for graduates who possess HND or BSC.
- Deputy Commander of Narcotics (DCN):
Deputy Commanders of Narcotics are senior officers responsible for overseeing multiple departments or regions within the NDLEA. They play the role of formulating policies, managing resources, and implementing measures to enhance the agency’s effectiveness.
- Commander of Narcotics (CN):
Commanders of Narcotics are the highest-ranking officers within the NDLEA. They provide overall leadership and direction to the agency, shaping its long-term strategies and objectives. Commanders collaborate with government officials, international agencies, and other stakeholders to address drug-related challenges.
The above listed ranks are the ranks available in the NDLEA. Now let’s look at the salary.
NDLEA Salary
NDLEA salary vary depending on rank, experience, and qualifications. Entry-level positions such as Narcotic Assistant and Narcotic Agent typically receive lower salaries compared to middle and senior-level ranks. Salaries are also influenced by factors such as location, allowances, and other benefits.
Presently in 2024, entry-level positions in the NDLEA earns salaries ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦60,000 per month. Middle-level officers such as Superintendents of Narcotics and Assistant Commanders of Narcotics earns salaries between ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 monthly. Senior-level officers like Deputy Commanders of Narcotics and Commanders of Narcotics receives salaries exceeding ₦300,000 per month.
It’s important to note that these figures are approximate and subject to change based on government policies, budgetary allocations, and economic conditions.
NDLEA Training Allowance
NDLEA Training Allowance for those who join the service with SSCE, NCE or National Diploma is between ₦15,000 to ₦25,000. For graduate who possess HND or BSC, their training allowance is between ₦25,000 and ₦45,000.
Apart from the basic salary of the NDLEA officials mentioned above, there are some other allowances which is also paid to them like the transport Allowance, uniform allowance operation allowance and few other allowances depending on the place of deployment.
