With the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) Salary Structure, you can learn about the compensation framework of one of the significant financial regulatory bodies in Nigeria. As an institution responsible for the supervision and ensuring the adequacy and integrity of the operations of the capital market in Nigeria, the SEC is very essential for economic growth as well as for investment protection.
Its salary structure shows the importance of its mandate, intended to attract top talent and professionally compensate individuals for their skills and commitment.
This time, we will focus on detailing the SEC’s structure of remuneration, which includes basic salary, benefits, payment of performance bonus, and promotion prospects.
Also read: Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN) Salary Structure and Allowances
Overview of SEC Nigeria
As stipulated in the Investments and Securities Act (ISA), the SEC derives its mandate from the Nigerian capital market as it includes the stock exchanges, the investment funds, brokers, and other financial intermediaries which Nigeria has.
As a federal government commission under the Ministry of Finance, the SEC employs highly trained personnel in law, finance, economics, ICT, accounting, and administration. The commission offers competitive remuneration packages to attract and retain skilled personnel.
Salary Structure Framework at SEC
SEC tailors its salary structure to align with the remuneration system of major financial regulatory institutions within Nigeria. Although it doesn’t rigidly adhere to CONRAISS or CONPSS salary scales like some parastatals, it has attractive pay policies within its approved frameworks, especially for seasoned professionals.
Its salary structure is categorized according to:
- Grade levels
- Step incrementsÂ
- Professional qualificationsÂ
- Experience and roles
Entry-Level Salary at SEC Nigeria
New entrants into the SEC, fresh graduates in particular, are placed on Grade Level 8 which is pegged at the lower band for holders of a Bachelor’s degree.
As of now, the salary at this level is in the range of ₦150,000 to ₦180,000, positioning it as one of the more attractive government positions for professionals at entry-level.
Graduates with HNDs should expect to start at Grade 7, while those with a Master’s degree or relevant certification should start at Grade Level 9, earning between ₦190,000 to ₦220,000.
SEC Salary by Grade Level (Estimated Monthly Breakdown)
Below is an estimated breakdown of SEC salaries by grade level:
| Grade Level | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) |
| GL 07 | ₦130,000 – ₦150,000 |
| GL 08 | ₦150,000 – ₦180,000 |
| GL 09 | ₦190,000 – ₦220,000 |
| GL 10 | ₦230,000 – ₦270,000 |
| GL 12 | ₦280,000 – ₦320,000 |
| GL 13 | ₦330,000 – ₦370,000 |
| GL 14 | ₦390,000 – ₦420,000 |
| GL 15 | ₦430,000 – ₦470,000 |
| GL 16 | ₦480,000 – ₦520,000 |
| GL 17 (Director) | ₦550,000 – ₦700,000 |
It is worthy to note that the salaries employees receive at SEC Nigeria can vary based on the exact step within each grade level, location, and specialized responsibilities.
Allowances and Benefits at SEC
In addition to the base salary, SEC staff enjoy numerous allowances and benefits, which make the commission highly attractive. These include:
- Housing allowance
- Transport allowance
- Utility allowance
- Medical benefits (including family)
- Leave allowance
- Hazard allowance (for specific roles)
- Pension scheme
- End-of-year bonuses
- Performance-based incentives
These allowances can boost total monthly income by an additional 30–50%, depending on role and location.
Career Progression and Promotion Opportunities
SEC has a well-defined traditional career progression system. Employees become eligible for promotion based on:
- Evaluation of appraisals
- Years of experience
- Accredited qualifications (for example, ICAN, CFA, and CIPM) attained
- Leadership aptitude
- Contribution to departmental goals
Promotions are awarded in conjunction with commensurate salary increases, added responsibilities, and higher grade levels. Currently, SEC employees, on average, receive internally reviewed promotions every three to four years.
Internship and NYSC Pay at SEC
SEC has an open policy regarding interns and NYSC corps members with a focus on the following disciplines: Finance, Legal, ICT, and Public Relations. Corps members receive allowances in addition to the national NYSC stipend, which ranges from ₦35,000 to ₦50,000 monthly.
Interns enrolled in professional or technical departments stand to benefit from budgeted allowances that depend on the length of internship.
Specialized Roles and Their Compensation
Some roles at SEC attract additional bonuses and higher salary scales due to their technical nature or risk exposure. Examples include:
- Legal Officers and Compliance Experts – Higher base pay due to professional licensing.
IT and Cybersecurity Specialists – Paid premium rates due to the high demand for tech talent.
Market Surveillance Officers – Receive hazard and travel allowances for field operations. - Analysts and Economists – Often earn more if they hold advanced degrees or certifications like CFA or CFI.
These specialized roles can push monthly compensation upwards of ₦400,000 to ₦1,000,000 even at mid-level positions.
How to Apply for Jobs at SEC Nigeria
A recruitment process regulates all persons wishing to undertake employment with the SEC. The process involves:
- Monitoring job vacancies on the SEC Nigeria portal by visiting https://sec.gov.ng
- Drafting and submitting CVs and cover letters.
- Participating in written and oral examinations which take the form of panel interviews.
- Possessing requisite academic and professional qualifications.
Recruitment scams should be avoided. SEC uses only official methods of recruitment and does not charge application fees.
SEC Nigeria vs Other Regulatory Agencies: Salary Comparison
SEC’s salaries are competitive when compared to other government agencies such as:
- Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) – Higher pay, especially for economists and bankers.
- Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) – Comparable to SEC in terms of benefits.
- National Pension Commission (PenCom) – Offers good remuneration but SEC remains slightly ahead in base pay.
- NAICOM – Similar in terms of grade level but slightly lower in allowances.
Overall, SEC ranks among the top 5 best-paying government agencies in Nigeria, especially for professionals in finance and law.
Conclusion on Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) Salary Structure
The SEC pays some of the highest salaries in Nigeria for government jobs, especially for sophisticated positions like law, finance, economics and IT. They also boast a comprehensive benefits package and attractive salary, which offers ample career advancement. As a result, the SEC is clearly one of the leading employers for professionals in regulatory finance and capital market governance.
Whether you are a fresh graduate searching for your first role or an experienced professional searching for a job that offers stability, reasonable pay and a strong salary range, having knowledge of the SEC salary structure will allow you to make informed decisions.
Disclaimer:
The salary information presented in this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, career, or legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data, the figures provided are based on a combination of public data, industry reports, and survey responses, which may vary depending on location, role, organization, and individual circumstances.
Readers should note that salaries are subject to change over time due to factors such as economic conditions, organizational policies, and market demand. Additionally, this article does not account for all variables, including additional benefits, allowances, or bonuses, that may influence an employee’s total compensation package.