The Nigerian Customs Ranks And Symbols 2025 shows the complete hierarchy used by the Nigeria Customs Service. The Comptroller-General of Customs is the highest rank in the Nigerian Customs Service. This makes the Comptroller-General the most senior officer who commands the entire customs service under the Minister of Finance.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is a paramilitary agency under the Federal Ministry of Finance. It was established to collect customs revenue, prevent smuggling, and facilitate legitimate international trade. With over 20,000 personnel across Nigeria’s borders and ports, it is one of Africa’s most important revenue-generating agencies. These ranks and symbols help maintain order, discipline, and respect within the service.
Quick Summary: Nigerian Customs Rank Categories
Commissioned Officers (10 Ranks):
- Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC)
- Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG)
- Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG)
- Comptroller of Customs (CC)
- Deputy Comptroller (DC)
Superintendent Cadre (4 Ranks):
- Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC)
- Superintendent of Customs (SC)
- Assistant Superintendent of Customs I (ASC I)
- Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II)
Inspectorate Cadre (4 Ranks):
- Inspector of Customs (IC)
- Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC)
- Customs Assistant I (CA I)
- Customs Assistant II (CA II)
How Nigerian Customs Service Ranks Work
The Nigerian Customs ranks are divided into three main categories. These are Commissioned Officers, Superintendent Cadre, and Inspectorate Cadre. Commissioned Officers are senior leaders who make policy decisions and command operations. The Superintendent and Inspectorate cadres carry out field operations and administrative duties.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS RANKS AND SYMBOLS
Commissioned officers are the top-tier personnel in the Nigerian Customs Service. They handle strategic planning, policy implementation, and high-level administration. Their symbols typically feature eagles, stars, and crossed sword and baton insignias.
1. Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC)
Symbol: Golden eagle with crossed sword and baton, plus distinctive insignia
Description: This is the highest rank in the Nigerian Customs Service. The CGC is appointed by the President of Nigeria. This officer commands the entire customs service and reports directly to the Minister of Finance.
Key Features:
- Highest rank in NCS
- Appointed by the President
- Reports to Minister of Finance
- Overall commander of customs operations
Duties:
- Lead the entire Nigerian Customs Service
- Implement government fiscal policies
- Oversee revenue collection nationwide
- Direct anti-smuggling operations
- Make high-level policy decisions
2025 Status: Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi currently serves as CGC. He was appointed in 2023 by President Bola Tinubu and oversees all customs operations across Nigeria.
2. Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG)
Symbol: Golden eagle with two stars below on crossed sword and baton
Description: This is the second-highest rank. DCGs assist the CGC in supervising specific departments like Enforcement, Finance, Technical Services, or Operations. Often in charge of multiple zones.
Key Features:
- Second-highest rank
- Heads major departments
- Assists the CGC
- Supervises multiple zones
Duties:
- Supervise major departments
- Implement CGC directives
- Manage multiple operational zones
- Coordinate nationwide enforcement
- Policy execution and monitoring
2025 Status: There are currently 8 Deputy Comptrollers-General heading various departments including Enforcement, Finance, Human Resources, Technical Services, and Operations.
3. Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG)
Symbol: Golden eagle without stars on crossed sword and baton
Description: ACGs supervise zones and departments under the DCG’s oversight. They enforce customs procedures and regulations at the zonal level.
Key Features:
- Third-highest rank
- Zonal supervision
- Departmental oversight
- Policy enforcement
Duties:
- Supervise customs zones
- Enforce customs regulations
- Manage zonal operations
- Report to DCG
- Coordinate with state commands
2025 Status: Assistant Comptrollers-General serve as zonal coordinators and divisional heads across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
4. Comptroller of Customs (CC)
Symbol: Three stars arranged horizontally
Description: This is a 3-star rank. Comptrollers command customs operations at state or regional level. They manage commands and ensure revenue targets are met.
Key Features:
- 3-star officer rank
- State/regional command
- Revenue target responsibility
- Command leadership
Duties:
- Command state-level operations
- Achieve revenue targets
- Manage border stations
- Supervise port operations
- Enforce trade regulations
2025 Highlights: Comptrollers of Customs earn between ₦230,000 to ₦260,000 monthly. They command major ports, border stations, and state customs offices across Nigeria.
5. Deputy Comptroller (DC)
Symbol: Two stars arranged horizontally
Description: Deputy Comptrollers are 2-star officers who assist Comptrollers in managing commands. They handle operational and administrative duties at command level.
Key Features:
- 2-star officer rank
- Deputy command position
- Operational management
- Administrative duties
Duties:
- Assist Comptrollers
- Manage command operations
- Supervise field officers
- Revenue monitoring
- Enforcement coordination
2025 Highlights: Deputy Comptrollers serve as seconds-in-command at major customs commands, ports, and border stations nationwide.
6. Assistant Comptroller (AC)
Symbol: One star
Description: Assistant Comptrollers are 1-star officers who manage units within commands. They supervise teams and coordinate specific operations.
Key Features:
- 1-star officer rank
- Unit management
- Team supervision
- Operational coordination
Duties:
- Manage operational units
- Supervise customs teams
- Coordinate inspections
- Report to superiors
- Execute enforcement actions
2025 Highlights: Assistant Comptrollers lead operational units at ports, borders, and customs offices across Nigeria.
SUPERINTENDENT CADRE RANKS AND SYMBOLS
The Superintendent Cadre is for officers with HND or BSc qualifications. They hold middle management positions and bridge the gap between senior officers and field personnel.
7. Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC)
Symbol: Distinctive insignia with superintendent marking
Description: This is the highest rank in the Superintendent Cadre. CSCs have significant operational authority and manage major customs posts.
Key Features:
- Highest superintendent rank
- Major post management
- Operational authority
- Middle management leader
Duties:
- Manage major customs posts
- Supervise superintendent teams
- Coordinate operations
- Administrative oversight
- Field leadership
2025 Highlights: Chief Superintendents earn between ₦115,000 to ₦145,833 monthly. They manage important border posts and customs facilities.
8. Superintendent of Customs (SC)
Symbol: Superintendent insignia
Description: Superintendents supervise customs posts and ensure compliance with laws. They lead teams of junior officers in field operations.
Key Features:
- Mid-level superintendent rank
- Post supervision
- Team leadership
- Field operations
Duties:
- Supervise customs posts
- Ensure regulatory compliance
- Lead inspection teams
- Manage daily operations
- Report to Chief Superintendent
2025 Highlights: Superintendents earn approximately ₦108,000 monthly. They are actively involved in cargo inspection and enforcement duties.
9. Assistant Superintendent of Customs I (ASC I)
Symbol: ASC I insignia
Description: ASC I officers have gained experience and handle more responsibilities than ASC II. They assist Superintendents in managing operations.
Key Features:
- Senior assistant superintendent
- Increased responsibilities
- Team coordination
- Operational support
Duties:
- Assist Superintendents
- Coordinate field teams
- Manage inspections
- Enforce customs laws
- Administrative duties
2025 Highlights: ASC I officers earn between ₦90,000 to ₦100,000 monthly. They are experienced officers promoted from ASC II.
10. Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II)
Symbol: ASC II insignia
Description: This is the entry-level rank for HND and BSc holders. ASC II officers begin their careers in the Superintendent Cadre and undergo training.
Key Features:
- Entry rank for graduates
- For HND/BSc holders
- Under training/mentorship
- Junior superintendent
Duties:
- Learn customs procedures
- Assist senior officers
- Conduct inspections
- Process documentation
- Execute assigned tasks
2025 Highlights: ASC II is the starting point for degree holders. Monthly salary ranges from ₦75,000 to ₦97,500. This rank offers clear promotion pathways.
INSPECTORATE CADRE RANKS AND SYMBOLS
The Inspectorate Cadre handles frontline duties including cargo inspection, patrol, documentation, and enforcement at borders and ports. These are operational personnel.
11. Inspector of Customs (IC)
Symbol: Three chevrons with stripe
Description: This is the highest rank in the Inspectorate Cadre. Inspectors lead teams at border stations and conduct physical inspections of goods and vehicles.
Key Features:
- Highest inspectorate rank
- Team leadership
- Field operations
- Border station command
Duties:
- Lead inspection teams
- Conduct cargo examinations
- Supervise junior inspectors
- Enforce customs regulations
- Manage border operations
2025 Highlights: Inspectors of Customs earn between ₦85,000 to ₦95,000 monthly. This is the target rank for ND holders and promoted Customs Assistants.
12. Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC)
Symbol: Two chevrons
Description: AICs support Inspectors in field operations and cargo inspection. This is the entry rank for ND (National Diploma) holders.
Key Features:
- Entry rank for ND holders
- Field operations
- Inspection duties
- Support role
Duties:
- Assist Inspectors
- Conduct cargo checks
- Verify documentation
- Border patrol
- Enforcement support
2025 Highlights: Assistant Inspectors earn between ₦65,000 to ₦75,000 monthly. They work directly at ports, borders, and customs checkpoints.
13. Customs Assistant I (CA I)
Symbol: One chevron
Description: CA I officers have gained experience from CA II level. They perform customs functions like documentation and data entry under supervision.
Key Features:
- Promoted from CA II
- Basic customs operations
- Documentation duties
- Under supervision
Duties:
- Process documentation
- Data entry and record keeping
- Physical checks
- Assist senior officers
- Basic enforcement duties
2025 Highlights: Customs Assistant I officers earn between ₦75,000 to ₦82,000 monthly after promotion from CA II rank.
14. Customs Assistant II (CA II)
Symbol: No insignia or one bar
Description: This is the entry-level rank for SSCE (Senior Secondary Certificate) holders. CA II officers assist in administrative and routine field duties.
Key Features:
- Entry rank for SSCE holders
- Lowest rank in NCS
- Under basic training
- Administrative support
Duties:
- Administrative assistance
- Basic documentation
- Support field operations
- Learn customs procedures
- Perform assigned tasks
2025 Highlights: Customs Assistant II is the starting point for school certificate holders. Monthly salary ranges from ₦70,000 to ₦85,417 including the new minimum wage adjustment.
How to Identify Nigerian Customs Ranks
You can identify an officer’s rank by checking the insignia on their shoulder epaulets:
Commissioned Officers:
- Wear stars and eagles on shoulder epaulets
- Golden eagle with crossed sword and baton for top ranks
- Number of stars indicates rank level
- Most senior officers (CGC, DCG, ACG)
Superintendent Cadre:
- Distinctive superintendent insignia
- Worn by HND/BSc holders
- Middle management symbols
- Bridge between senior and junior officers
Inspectorate Cadre:
- Wear chevrons on sleeves or shoulders
- Number of chevrons shows rank
- Frontline operational personnel
- Entry-level and ND holders
Nigerian Customs Salary Structure 2025
The NCS follows the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS). Here’s a quick overview:
By Qualification:
- SSCE Holders: ₦70,000 – ₦85,417 monthly (CA II entry)
- ND Holders: ₦65,000 – ₦95,000 monthly (AIC/IC entry)
- HND/BSc Holders: ₦75,000 – ₦145,833 monthly (ASC II to CSC)
- Commissioned Officers: ₦150,000 – ₦3,000,000+ monthly
Additional Allowances:
- Housing allowance
- Transport allowance
- Risk/hazard allowance
- Uniform allowance
- Border duty bonuses
These allowances can nearly double monthly income in some cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) is the highest rank in the Nigerian Customs Service. The CGC is appointed by the President and commands the entire service under the Federal Ministry of Finance.
You can join through annual recruitment exercises with SSCE, ND, HND, or BSc qualifications. SSCE holders start as CA II, ND holders as AIC, and degree holders as ASC II. Visit www.customs.gov.ng for recruitment updates.
Degree holders (HND/BSc) start as Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II), earning between ₦75,000 to ₦97,500 monthly plus allowances. This is in the Superintendent Cadre.
A 3-star officer (Comptroller of Customs) earns between ₦230,000 to ₦260,000 monthly as basic salary, plus substantial allowances that can double the total compensation.
Chevrons (V-shaped stripes) indicate Inspectorate Cadre ranks. One chevron is CA I, two chevrons is AIC, and three chevrons with stripe is Inspector of Customs, the highest inspectorate rank.
Yes, but it takes many years. SSCE holders start as CA II and must get promoted through all ranks. Most CGCs have university degrees and decades of experience. Furthering education speeds up promotion.
Customs officers retire at age 60 or after 35 years of service, whichever comes first. However, the CGC and other senior officers may serve beyond this if reappointed.
Conclusion: Understanding Nigerian Customs Service Hierarchy
The Nigerian Customs Ranks And Symbols 2025 provides a clear structure for command, operations, and discipline. From Customs Assistant II at entry level to Comptroller-General at the top, each rank carries specific responsibilities vital to protecting Nigeria’s borders and collecting revenue.
Whether you plan to join the NCS or simply want to understand Nigeria’s customs structure, knowing these ranks helps you identify authority levels and appreciate the organized hierarchy. The symbols worn by Customs personnel are not mere decorations—they represent training, dedication, and service to the nation.
What do you think about Nigerian Customs ranks? Are you interested in joining the NCS? Share your thoughts about the Nigerian Customs Ranks And Symbols 2025 in the comments below!
