The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) is one of the most renowned public-research institutes in Nigeria and is based in Ibadan, Oyo State.
To some degree, like other federal research institutes in Nigeria, NISER is also subjected to federal grade salaries such as the Consolidated Research And Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS) research allowances, and levels of experience related to one’s job (whether research or administrative), which affects compensation.
In this piece, we’ll discuss the following: how the salary system is designed and operates at NISER, salary figures reported by staff, the determinants of compensation, information about benefits and allowances, and some relevant questions and answers.
Overview of NISER Salary Structure
As a government-funded institution, NISER’s salary structure follows the Federal Government Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS). This structure is similar to the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) used in Nigerian universities.
Key Salary Scale at NISER (2025)
| Position | Monthly Salary Range (₦) | Notes |
| Research Assistant | ₦80,000 – ₦120,000 | Entry-level |
| Research Officer I & II | ₦130,000 – ₦180,000 | Mid-level |
| Senior Research Fellow | ₦200,000 – ₦300,000 | Requires PhD or equivalent |
| Principal Research Fellow | ₦350,000 – ₦450,000 | Senior-level |
| Director of Research | ₦500,000 – ₦700,000 | Top-level management |
| Administrative Staff | ₦70,000 – ₦250,000 | Varies by grade level |
Background – Importance of Salary Structure at a Research Institute
NISER is a publicly funded ‘think tank’, which means that it conducts research in social and economic public policy for Nigeria.
Badged with that responsibility, NISER employs a mix of research and non-research staff, meaning that some of the positions available will require different salary scales for the research fellows, junior researchers, administrative staff, etc.
Nonetheless, a little public discourse points out certain flaws, for instance, in 2021, the House of Representatives had to query why 19 new members of staff at NISER had salaries that were unpaid ever since they were appointed.
Thus, the salary structure needs to be understood, for the sake of job seekers, in order to attain a degree of transparency and accountability from these kinds of institutions.
Reported Salary Ranges at NISER
It’s difficult to get accurate information about how much NISER pays its staff because NISER does not publish a full salary scale. However, since NISER is a research institute, its salary scale should align with what the federal government pays similar research institutes.
From Gladoor’s salary survey, reviewing data claimed that salary for for staff of NISER is averagely #120,000” for entry level with MSc.
Research institutions in Nigeria (particularly those under CONRAISS) pay ranges between ₦120,000 – ₦300,000+ in research positions depending on the role and included research-roles grade and allowances according to OgaJob findings.
As a federal research institute, NISER likely pays a Junior Research Fellow starting in the low hundreds of thousands of Naira/month (including allowances) and offers significantly more to senior research fellows and principal research staff.
Table: Estimated Pay Bands (Indicative for a Research Institution Similar to NISER)
| Role | Estimated Monthly Earnings | Notes |
| Entry-level administrative or junior research role | ~ ₦100,000 – ₦160,000 | Based on wider research institution data |
| Mid-level research fellow / specialist | ~ ₦160,000 – ₦300,000+ | With MSc/PhD + some experience |
| Senior research fellow / principal researcher / director | ₦₦300,000 – ₦600,000+ | With many years of experience, leadership role |
Note: These are estimates drawn from related institutions and should not be taken as guaranteed for NISER specifically. The actual salary depends on grade level, allowances, posting location, and whether the role is research-oriented.
What Factors Influence Salary at NISER
Compensation levels can be influenced by many important factors:
- Grade Level/Job Designation: Many research institutions follow CONRAISS guidelines, which consolidate salary structures according to certain research levels and qualifications.
- Qualification: PhD holders are compensated more than those with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees.
- Experience: Long years of service, especially with substantive research, and proven output typically result in promotions along with wider salary ranges.
- Role Type: Within research, those whose roles include publications, field work, etc., generally obtain higher salaries than those whose work is purely administrative or supportive.
- Budget Cost: As noted in the 2021 report, budgetary constraints can lead to unpaid staff, as seen with NISER. Given personnel cost limitations, NISER had unpaid staff, as noted in the 2021 report.
Benefits, Allowances, & Other Perks
In addition to the basic salary, research staff at NISER also receive certain benefits, such as housing allowances or accommodations, transport allowances or vehicles (especially for senior staff), research or field allowances for those undertaking specific research assignments, and leave or sabbatical allowances for research purposes.
How to Apply for a Job at NISER (Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research)
Visit the Official NISER Website
Go to the official NISER portal:
👉 https://www.niser.gov.ng
NISER usually posts internal and external job advertisements (for both research and non-research staff) under their Careers, Recruitment, or News section.
Check for Current Job Openings
Look for a notice such as:
“Internal and External Advertisement for Research Staff Positions”
or
“Massive Recruitment at NISER.”
Check Job Board
You can always check on a job board like Ogaob for the latest job posting.
See: Massive Recruitment at Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER)
Conclusion
A career at NISER is appealing to individuals interested in socio-economic research and public policy in Nigeria. While private-sector salaries tend to be higher, the NISER salary is considered fair in light of the public research environment, institutional prestige, and various allowances offered.
If you are thinking of applying to NISER, it is best to clarify the positions’ grade level, allowances, posting location and responsibilities. This helps to form a reasonable view of the expectations around the salary so you are able to plan your career appropriately.
Q1: What is the starting salary for fresh graduates at NISER?
A1: NISER does not disclose salaries, but based on the research institutions within the federal structures in Nigeria, fresh graduates salaries are within the range of ₦100,000 – ₦160,000 monthly (including allowances) for entry level roles
Q2: Do research fellows at NISER earn more than administrative staff?
A2: Certainly. Research fellows, especially those with higher degrees and research output, are placed on higher salary slabs than administrative and support staff.
Q3: Are there extra allowances apart from the monthly salary?
A3: Certainly, there could be a housing allowance, transport allowance, research/field allowance, hazard allowance, leave allowances etc. depending on one’s posting and role.
Q4: Does NISER follow the CONRAISS salary structure?
A4: While not explicitly confirmed, NISER is a federal research institute and it is likely aligned with the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS) or similar federal pay framework.
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