Nigerian Service Chiefs: Roles, Responsibilities, and Salaries

Just like every other political figure, Nigerian Service Chiefs are important. They belong to the top-tier military leadership and do a lot of work shaping and executing national security policies. Nigerian Service Chiefs are principal officers who are in charge of the different branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces which include the Army, Navy, Airforce, and Marines. 

Recently, the president of Nigeria appointed new service chiefs to hold certain command appointments. This explains how service chiefs are elected; the president of the country has the authority to appoint and remove service chiefs based on their discretion. When selecting, the president considers several factors, including rank/seniority, experience, professionalism, and suitability for the position. Often, the president doesn't solely decide on his selection as it can also be influenced by recommendations from the military hierarchy and considerations of national security and military strategy.

The Nigerian Service Chiefs 

Different military individuals make up the Nigerian service chiefs and they include: 

• Chief of Defence Staff

• Chief of Army Staff

• Chief of Naval Staff

• Chief of Air Staff

• Inspector General of Police

Currently, the individuals holding these positions in Nigeria are: 

-Chief of Defence Staff - Maj.-Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa

-Chief of Army Staff - Maj. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja

-Chief of Naval Staff - Rear Admiral A. Emmanuel Ogalla 

-Chief of Air Staff - Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar 

Inspector General of Police - DIG Kayode Egbetokun

Functions of the Nigerian Service Chiefs 

The responsibilities of the Nigerian Service Chiefs will be explained according to each portfolio. 

•Chief of Defence Staff

The Chief of Defence Staff is the number 1 individual and the highest rank of the Nigerian Service Chiefs and because of this position, they serve as a military/security advisor to the President of the country. They also oversee the affairs of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Airforce, and Police. The core functions of the office of the Chief of Defence staff include providing strategic military guidance and ensuring the effectiveness and operational readiness of all arms of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Also, they work together with these arms to foster joint training and operations within the country. 

Furthermore, the Chief of Defence staff sees to it that all resource allocations, budget planning, and procurement related to defense are appropriately organized. The CDS also makes sure to direct and supervise the deployment of military forces, counterterrorism efforts, border security, and defense cooperation with other countries. 

•Chief of Army Staff

The Chief of Army Staff works directly under the Chief of Defence staff as an assistant and engages in joint decision-making processes to keep the nation safe and in harmony. The other functions of the Chief of Army staff involve collaborating to develop defense and military policies, exchanging information, and providing recommendations. Hence, it can be said that the Chief of Army staff teams up with the Chief of Defense staff as a subordinate to carry out all essential activities. 

•Chief of Naval Staff

The Chief of Naval staff has the duty of managing and directing all operations within the naval closet. They make and enforce the policies that guide the Nigerian Navy and as well ensure that all strategies made align with the safety of the country. These operations organized and supervised by the Chief of  Naval staff involve all forms of patrolling and combating. Also, the CNS manages the naval fleet such as the ships, submarines, aircraft, and every other naval entity that will positively contribute to achieving overall safety. 

•Chief of Air Staff

All air operations duties are directed by the Chief of Air Staff, the highest ranking officer of the Nigerian Airforce, and a prominent figure of the Nigerian service chiefs. The Chief of Staff engages other officers within the Nigerian Air Force to identify and prioritize capability requirements, plan air operations, and protect the national airspace by addressing air threat issues. The CAS also encourages and promotes aircraft innovations and technologies that have the potential to cause a positive impact on the nation's security. 

•Inspector General of Police

The IGP is the most senior officer of the Nigerian Police Force. They are responsible for steering and managing all police affairs and operations. This includes maintaining law and order, preventing crimes, and investigating criminal activities. They develop welfare policies and training programs that help the entire police force to act by the established standards and code of conduct. The IGP also has to create policies that will thwart terrorism, and ensure the safety of every citizen of the country.  

How much are Nigerian Service Chiefs Paid Monthly/Annually?

It is quite easy to think that individuals who work tirelessly and even risk their lives for the safety of the country are paid handsomely for it. While we can't keep guessing, here is what the monthly/annual take-home salaries of the Nigerian Service Chiefs are according to the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONFASS): 

• 1.6 million naira Monthly

• 19.2 million naira Annually

This salary doesn't include other allowances which include; 

• Special assignments allowance 

• Foreign missions allowance

• Duty tour allowance

• Estacode allowance 

Compensation packages for Nigerian service chiefs are designed to recognize the responsibilities, skills, and even the sacrifices associated with these positions. Hence, the reason for the huge sum of money they take home monthly and even annually.

This Post First Appeared on Hubforjobs.com and was published here with permission.