The Salary Structure of Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) shows the agency’s willingness to attract and retain top talent in Nigeria’s financial sector.
In the NFIU, the average salary for an entry-level position stands between 180,000 to 380,000 naira per month. For senior officers and directors, they could earn over 500,000 naira a month with additional benefits on top of that.
NFIU is one of the key Institutions in the fight against money laundering, financing terrorism and other crimes which gives them the need to have the best talents possible.
This post will focus on the NFIU salary structure, and opportunities NFIU offers professionals and also those keen on advancing their career in finance and security intelligence in Nigeria.
If you are looking for possible career options or simply want to learn more about NFIU, this post is surely going to help you understand better what working at NFIU is like.
Also read: EFCC Salary Structure And Ranks In Nigeria 2024
What is the NFIU?
Before revealing the salary structure of Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), readers should know what NFIU is and its significance to Nigeria.
NFIU is the designated national center for receiving, analyzing and disseminating financial intelligence.
It functions independently but is accountable to Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation. It also functions as an authority on money laundering, terrorism financing, and corruption on illicit financial activities.
As a consequence of the very demanding NFIU jobs, all employees are qualified in a multitude of disciplines which include data analysis.
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) is involved in the tracking and monitoring of Nigeria’s money laundering, terrorism financing, and other economic crimes enabling issues. As a premier government agency, the NFIU is established to offer value and also retain professionals in the field of intelligence, financial analysis and also criminal investigation.
NFIU Salary Structure: Is NFIU a Lucrative Career?
Much like other government institutions, a NFIU branch follows the integrated wage system. Their salary structure is based on the CONRAISS (Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure).
NFIU does choose to give some additional benefits to specific employees because of the sensitive and high-stake roles they perform.
In Nigeria, the average salary for an entry-level position stands between N180,000 to N380,000 per month. For senior officers and directors, they could earn over 500,000 naira a month with additional benefits on top of that.
NFIU Entry-Level Salary
The starting salaries for newly hired employees range from grade 8 to 9. This is the case for new graduates who have little to no experience.
- Grade Level 8 (B.Sc holders): ₦180,000 – ₦250,000 per month
- Grade Level 9 (Master’s degree holders): ₦250,000 – ₦380,000 per month
These figures are for basic salaries while there are other selected allowances such as housing and transport.
Mid-Level and Senior Officers’ Salary
More skilled and experienced persons, especially in law enforcement, financial auditing, or Intelligence, are absorbed at higher grade levels:
- Grade Level 10 – 13: ₦350,000 – ₦450,000 per month. Â
- Grade Level 14 – 15 (Deputy Directors): ₦450,000 – ₦500,000 + per month Â
- Directors: ₦600,000 and above per month Â
Senior officers are also paid operational and functional allowances, risk allowance, and bonuses on projects in regard to active assignments.
Allowances and Benefits Relevant to NFIU Jobs
Besides the basic pay, an NFIU officer is eligible for several allowances which multiply his take-home pay. These are:
- Hazard Allowance: For officers who participate in very high risk and sensitive intelligence operations. Â
- Duty Tour Allowance: For those sent out on investigation duty that requires him/her to operate outside his/her station. Â
- Housing Allowance: up to 40% of basic pay. Â
- Transport Allowance: Varies with grade and place. Â
- Medical Benefits: Health care is offered for the staff and his/her dependent family. Â
Factors Influencing NFIU Salaries
The salary structure of the NFIU follows the general salary structure of civil service employees within the country. However, the sensitive and critical nature of the unit’s work means that there are other financial incentives attached. Salaries are determined by the following:
- Position and Grade Level: Employees in higher grades have better pay, benefits, and comprehensive profit packages.
- Years of Experience: Higher level industry professionals are able to negotiate for greater remuneration due to their experience.
- Specializations: Employees trained formally in financial intelligence, data administration, or law enforcement qualify for higher salaries depending on their field of expertise.
Career Progression and Promotions in the NFIU
Any staff member of the NFIU may be promoted on the basis of the number of years served in their level, performance reviews, training qualifications, and passing internal examinations.
The average time between promotions is 3-5 years, with opportunities for fast-tracking in special cases.
Officers can rise from analyst roles to managerial and directorial positions over time, which significantly boosts salary and influence.
NFIU Salary vs Other Intelligence and Anti-Corruption Agencies
A concern that comes to mind is what NFIU employees earn in comparison to employees in the private sector dealing with finances. Generally, private sector employees offer higher salaries in comparison to government jobs. The NFIU manages to close this gap with extensive allowances and bonuses, as well as job security—appealing to professionals looking to settle into a stable career.
When compared with other Nigerian intelligence agencies such as the EFCC, DSS (Department of State Services), and ICPC (Independent Corrupt Practices Commission), the NFIU salary structure is competitive:
- EFCC (Entry-level): ₦115,000 – ₦180,000
- DSS (Entry-level): ₦120,000 – ₦260,000
- NFIU (Entry-level): ₦180,000 – ₦380,000
However, the NFIU often attracts more professionals from banking, finance, and data analytics backgrounds due to its focus on financial intelligence.
Qualifications That Influence Salary Scale
The NFIU places a high premium on certain educational and professional qualifications. Officers with certifications such as:
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS)
- Chartered Accountant (ICAN, ACCA)
- Relevant postgraduate degrees
How to Join the NFIU: Recruitment Process and Expectations
Recruitment into the NFIU typically happens through federal recruitment drives, public job postings, or transfers from other law enforcement or financial institutions.
Applicants must:
- Be Nigerian citizens
- Possess a good degree in finance, accounting, law, or related fields
- Pass security clearance and background checks
- Undergo specialized training at the intelligence academy
Recruitment announcements are usually made via official channels such as the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) or the NFIU official website.
Conclusion: Salary structure of Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU)
The NFIU offers a stable and rewarding career path for professionals passionate about financial intelligence and national security.
The salary structure is attractive, especially when combined with allowances, career development opportunities, and the prestige of working at the heart of Nigeria’s fight against financial crime.
While the entry-level pay may be modest compared to private sector roles in finance, the long-term benefits, job security, and growth potential make it a highly sought-after opportunity.
FAQs – Salary structure of Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU)
Is NFIU under EFCC?
No, the NFIU is no longer under the EFCC. It used to be a department within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), but it became independent in 2018.
Is NFIU under CBN?
No, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) is not under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Even though the NFIU is not under the CBN, they work very closely together. For example:
The CBN regulates financial institutions, so it provides transaction reports (like Suspicious Transaction Reports – STRs) to the NFIU.
Who is the CEO of NFIU?
As of April 2025, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) is Hafsat Abubakar Bakari. She was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in February 2024 and confirmed by the Nigerian Senate shortly thereafter .​
Disclaimer:
The salary information provided in this article is based on data available as of the publication date and is intended for general informational purposes only. The salaries listed are subject to change and may vary depending on individual circumstances, location, and other factors.
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