The Nigerian Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is one of the most prominent paramilitary agencies in the country. They’re tasked with eliminating the processing, manufacturing, selling, exporting, distribution, trafficking and usage of hard drugs in Nigeria.
Officials are usually stationed at international and state borders, airports, highways, seaports and on regular roads, carrying out random searches based on tip-offs. The NDLEA recruits new officials annually. But before you join the paramilitary agency, you should probably know about the available NDLEA ranks and salary structure.
NDLEA salary structure
The anti-narcotics agency uses the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS) — the official salary scale for paramilitary agencies in Nigeria — in its ranking and salary structure.
NDLEA ranks
It’s divided into two categories: Commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers.
NDLEA commissioned officers
Officers in this category hold the highest ranks within the agency. They’re recruited based on their academic qualifications.
Commander-General of Narcotics (CGN)
This is the highest rank of the NDLEA. The CGN is mostly appointed by the president.
Commander-General of Narcotics (CGN)
Officers in this rank play crucial leadership roles within the NDLEA and assist the CGN with the agency’s overall operations and administration.
Commander of Narcotics
Officers in this rank provide overall leadership and direction within the agency. They’re also tasked with overseeing the implementation of anti-drug initiatives at the national level.
Deputy Commander of Narcotics (DCN)
These officers are involved with strategic planning and decision-making within the agency. DCNs work closely with the Commander of Narcotics to help formulate policies and develop strategies to combat drug trafficking.
Chief Superintendent of Narcotics
Officers in this rank hold supervisory roles within the NDLEA. They lead the narcotics division in the agency, liaise with other law enforcement agencies and provide leadership to subordinate officers.
Superintendent of Narcotics
They’re mid-level commissioned officers tasked with overseeing operational activities within their assigned units. They lead teams of officers in drug enforcement operations and ensure compliance with agency policies and procedures.
Superintendent of Narcotics
Officers in this rank work closely with the Superintendent of Narcotics to lead and manage the work of the narcotics division. They also coordinate and supervise the work of lower-ranking officers.
Salary: ₦205,673 (CONPASS 10)
Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics (ASN)
Officers in this rank are typically entry-level commissioned officers in the NDLEA. They assist senior officers in enforcing drug laws, and participating in raids and investigations. ASNs also engage in community outreach programs.
Salary: ₦151,739 (CONPASS 9)
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NDLEA non-commissioned officers (NCO)
Officers in this category occupy the lower ranks within the NDLEA. NCOs are ranked based on their qualification during recruitment. They are mostly SSCE, ND and HND certificate holders.
Chief Narcotics Agent
This is the highest rank in the NCO category of the NDLEA. Chief Narcotic Agents hold supervisory positions within the agency. They supervise and monitor junior personnel, and plan and execute drug raid operations, among other responsibilities.
Salary: ₦110,743 (CONPASS 7)
Senior Narcotics Agent (SNA)
SNAs lead enforcement activities within the agency. They are also tasked with conducting investigations and providing training to junior officers.
Salary: ₦90,456 (CONPASS 6)
Senior Narcotics Assistant
They provide support to higher-ranking officers and supervise junior assistants. They also maintain records and assist with administrative tasks within the agency.
Narcotic Agents
Officers within this rank conduct patrols, investigations, raids and arrests. They also gather intelligence, handle evidence and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies.
Salary: ₦54,746 (CONPASS 5)
Narcotic Assistant
They are entry-level officers within the NDLEA. They work with commissioned officers in enforcement activities, conducting patrols and participating in drug raids and arrests.
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