The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, NAQS salary structure is an important consideration for Nigerians interested in building a career with the Federal Government agency.
NAQS performs a specialised role in protecting Nigeria’s agricultural sector by preventing the introduction and spread of pests, diseases and other biological threats through the movement of plants, animals and agricultural products.
Because the agency employs professionals from different fields, including agriculture, veterinary medicine, biological sciences, administration, laboratory services and other disciplines, salaries can vary significantly depending on the position, qualification, grade level, experience and applicable government salary structure.
In this guide, we explain what is known about the NAQS salary structure in 2026, possible salary ranges, allowances and benefits, career progression, entry-level positions and the factors that determine how much an employee can earn.
Important salary disclaimer: NAQS does not maintain a universally published public salary table showing the exact current monthly pay of every position. Salary figures circulating online should therefore be treated as estimates unless they can be traced to an official NAQS vacancy, government salary circular or appointment documentation. Actual take-home pay can change because of grade level, step, allowances, deductions and government-wide salary reviews.
What Is NAQS?
The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, popularly known as NAQS, is a Federal Government agency responsible for protecting Nigeria’s agricultural resources from pests, diseases and other biological threats.
Its responsibilities cover important areas such as:
- Plant quarantine
- Animal quarantine
- Agricultural commodity inspection
- Pest and disease surveillance
- Phytosanitary certification
- Import and export inspection
- Enforcement of quarantine regulations
- Agricultural biosecurity
- Support for safe international agricultural trade
NAQS officers may work at airports, seaports, land borders, agricultural locations and other strategic points where regulated plants, animals and agricultural products are moved.
This makes the organisation an important part of Nigeria’s agricultural and biosecurity system.
How Much Does NAQS Pay in 2026?
There is no single salary that applies to every NAQS employee.
More From Skill4today
View allThe amount an employee earns depends on factors such as:
- Position
- Grade level
- Salary step
- Academic qualification
- Professional qualification
- Years of service
- Promotion
- Applicable Federal Government salary structure
- Allowances
- Location and nature of assignment
Some online sources publish specific figures for NAQS positions, but many of these figures are not accompanied by an official, current NAQS salary table.
For this reason, it is safer to view widely circulated figures as indicative estimates rather than guaranteed 2026 salaries.
For example, older or unofficial salary information has placed some NAQS positions within ranges such as:
| Position/Level | Commonly Reported Annual Range |
|---|---|
| Quarantine Officer II | About ₦611,084 – ₦1,436,522 |
| Administrative Officer II | About ₦842,994 – ₦1,836,522 |
| Senior Quarantine Officer | About ₦1,636,522 – ₦1,836,522 |
| Assistant Chief Quarantine Officer | About ₦2,265,843 – ₦2,661,298 |
| Assistant Director | About ₦3,658,531 – ₦3,894,723 |
| Deputy Director | About ₦3,844,866 – ₦4,826,943 |
| Director | About ₦4,615,702 – ₦4,823,396 |
These figures are not presented as an official 2026 NAQS salary scale. They are figures that have appeared in publicly circulated salary information and may be outdated. Applicants should confirm the remuneration attached to a particular appointment from the official recruitment or appointment documentation.
This distinction is important because Nigeria’s public-sector salary structures and allowances can be reviewed or adjusted over time.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Immigration Ranks and Salary Structure Including Allowances (Updated & Verified)
Does NAQS Use CONRAISS?
One of the most frequently repeated claims online is that NAQS employees are paid strictly under the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS).
This should be treated carefully.
CONRAISS is a Federal Government salary structure associated with eligible research and allied institutions. However, it should not automatically be assumed that every NAQS position is paid under CONRAISS simply because NAQS performs technical or scientific functions.
The applicable salary structure can depend on the position, cadre and government-approved employment framework.
Therefore, anyone applying for a NAQS position should check the specific recruitment advertisement and appointment terms instead of relying on a general salary table found online.
NAQS Salary Per Month
Many people searching for “NAQS salary” are specifically interested in the monthly amount they can expect to receive.
The monthly salary is not necessarily the same as an annual figure divided by 12 because an employee’s total remuneration can include different components.
An employee’s gross monthly earnings may be influenced by:
- Basic salary
- Applicable allowances
- Grade level
- Salary step
- Professional or duty-related allowances
- Location-related benefits
- Other government-approved payments
After deductions such as pension contributions, taxes and other applicable deductions, the amount actually received in an employee’s bank account may be lower than the gross salary.
This is why gross salary and take-home salary should not be confused.
NAQS Entry-Level Salary
Entry-level positions are usually the first point of entry for graduates and other qualified applicants.
The salary offered to a new employee depends on the position and the grade or salary structure attached to it.
Some previously circulated NAQS salary information has listed positions such as:
Quarantine Officer II
Older salary estimates have placed the position at approximately:
₦611,084 – ₦1,436,522 per year
Administrative Officer II
Previously reported estimates have placed this position at approximately:
₦842,994 – ₦1,836,522 per year
Again, these figures should not be interpreted as confirmed 2026 take-home salaries.
A newly recruited employee’s actual remuneration should be determined by the appointment letter and applicable government salary regulations.
READ ALSO: Ekiti State Salary Structure for TESCOM Teaching and Non-teaching Staffs (UPDATED)
NAQS Salary for Graduates
Graduates joining NAQS can enter different professional cadres depending on their course of study and the requirements of the advertised position.
Possible areas include:
- Agriculture
- Veterinary medicine
- Animal science
- Plant science
- Biological sciences
- Laboratory-related disciplines
- Administration
- Finance
- Information technology
- Engineering
- Other specialised fields
A graduate with a professional qualification may enter a different cadre from an applicant entering an administrative or support position.
Consequently, there is no single “graduate salary” applicable to everyone employed by NAQS.
NAQS Mid-Level Salary
As employees gain experience and receive promotions, they may move into positions carrying greater responsibility.
Previously published estimates have included positions such as:
Senior Quarantine Officer
Reported annual figures have ranged around:
₦1.64 million – ₦1.84 million
Assistant Chief Quarantine Officer
Previously circulated estimates have placed the annual remuneration around:
₦2.27 million – ₦2.66 million
These figures should be used only as historical or indicative information rather than a guaranteed 2026 pay scale.
Promotion to a higher position can also result in additional allowances and responsibilities.
Senior-Level NAQS Salary
Senior management positions within NAQS carry significantly greater responsibilities.
Examples include:
- Assistant Director
- Deputy Director
- Director
Some older published salary estimates have reported annual ranges such as:
Assistant Director
Approximately:
₦3.66 million – ₦3.89 million annually
Deputy Director
Approximately:
₦3.84 million – ₦4.83 million annually
Director
Approximately:
₦4.62 million – ₦4.82 million annually
These historical figures should not be mistaken for an official 2026 salary table.
Senior officers can also receive applicable allowances and benefits depending on their appointment and assignment.
READ ALSO: Federal Fire Service Salary Structure in Nigeria (SSCE, BSc, HND & OND Holders)
How Much Does the Director-General of NAQS Earn?
The Director-General is the head of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service.
Some online publications have claimed that the Director-General earns around ₦1 million per month.
However, this figure should not be treated as a confirmed current 2026 salary unless supported by an official government remuneration document.
The remuneration of the head of a Federal Government agency can be affected by government-approved salary policies, allowances and other applicable provisions.
Therefore, it is more accurate to say that the Director-General occupies the highest executive position in the agency, rather than quote an unverified fixed monthly salary.
Factors That Determine NAQS Salary
Several factors can influence what a NAQS employee earns.
1. Grade Level
Government employees are generally placed on specific grades and steps.
A higher grade normally corresponds to greater responsibility and higher remuneration.
2. Salary Step
Employees within the same grade may occupy different salary steps.
Movement through the steps can affect earnings.
3. Educational Qualification
The qualification required for a particular position can influence the cadre and grade at which an employee enters.
4. Professional Qualification
Professional qualifications may be relevant to certain specialised positions.
Veterinary, agricultural, scientific and other technical cadres may have specific requirements.
5. Years of Experience
Experience can affect entry placement for some positions and career progression after joining the service.
6. Promotion
Promotion to a higher position or grade can increase an employee’s remuneration and responsibilities.
7. Government Salary Reviews
Federal Government salary structures can be reviewed or adjusted.
This means a salary figure published several years ago may no longer represent what an employee earns today.
8. Allowances
Allowances can significantly affect total remuneration.
An employee’s gross earnings may therefore be considerably different from the basic salary alone.
NAQS Allowances and Employee Benefits
Salary is only one part of the compensation package that may be available to a Federal Government employee.
Depending on the applicable rules, position and assignment, NAQS employees may have access to benefits or allowances such as:
Housing-Related Benefits
Eligible government employees may receive housing-related allowances or other approved accommodation benefits, depending on the applicable policy.
Medical Benefits
Employees may have access to government-approved healthcare arrangements and medical benefits.
Transport-Related Allowances
Certain assignments and positions may attract transport-related allowances where applicable.
Duty-Related Allowances
Employees performing specific operational or specialised duties may qualify for applicable allowances under government regulations.
Pension
Eligible employees participate in Nigeria’s pension system, with employer and employee contributions made according to the applicable pension framework.
Leave Entitlements
Employees are entitled to applicable forms of leave under the relevant public-service rules.
Career Development
Working in a specialised government agency can also provide opportunities for professional development, training and experience.
Not every employee receives every allowance, and the value of an allowance can depend on the employee’s grade, position, location and assignment.
NAQS Salary Compared With Other Government Agencies
NAQS operates in a regulatory environment similar in some respects to other Federal Government agencies involved in inspection, standards, agriculture and public protection.
These can include organisations such as:
- National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
- Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
- Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation and related agricultural institutions
- Other Federal Government regulatory agencies
However, it is difficult to make a precise salary comparison without using current official salary tables for each agency.
Two employees working for different government agencies may have different salary structures even when they perform similar functions.
The better comparison is therefore to examine:
- Grade level
- Cadre
- Basic salary
- Allowances
- Career progression
- Pension
- Medical benefits
- Working conditions
rather than simply comparing agency names.
Is NAQS a Good Place to Work?
For someone interested in agriculture, veterinary medicine, plant health, animal health, biological sciences or public-sector regulation, NAQS can provide an interesting career path.
The agency’s work combines technical knowledge with public service.
Employees can potentially gain experience in:
- Agricultural biosecurity
- Border inspection
- Plant protection
- Animal quarantine
- International agricultural trade
- Regulatory compliance
- Risk assessment
- Pest and disease surveillance
- Government administration
The job can also expose employees to different operational environments.
Career Progression in NAQS
Career progression generally involves moving through the appropriate grades and positions after meeting the applicable requirements.
Progression can depend on factors such as:
- Length of service
- Performance
- Availability of vacancies
- Required qualifications
- Promotion examinations or assessments where applicable
- Recommendations
- Applicable public-service rules
A career can progress from junior professional or administrative positions into more senior roles.
However, promotion is not necessarily automatic after a fixed number of years.
The applicable conditions must be satisfied.
What Does a NAQS Officer Do?
A NAQS employee’s daily responsibilities depend on the position.
An officer working at an international airport may inspect agricultural products brought into the country.
Another officer may work at a seaport examining imported agricultural consignments.
A plant-health professional may be involved in pest surveillance, sampling or certification.
A veterinary officer may perform animal-health and quarantine-related duties.
Administrative personnel may handle documentation, finance, human resources and other organisational functions.
This variety is one of the reasons NAQS recruits people from different professional backgrounds.
Why NAQS Jobs Are Important
NAQS plays an important role in Nigeria’s agricultural economy.
Nigeria depends on agriculture for:
- Food production
- Employment
- Rural livelihoods
- Industrial raw materials
- Agricultural exports
- Economic activity
The introduction of a destructive pest or disease could affect entire agricultural communities.
By monitoring the movement of plants, animals and agricultural commodities, NAQS contributes to Nigeria’s wider agricultural biosecurity system.
NAQS Recruitment and Salary: What Applicants Should Know
People interested in NAQS recruitment often search for the salary before applying.
That is understandable, but salary should not be the only consideration.
Applicants should first confirm:
- The position being advertised.
- The required educational qualification.
- The applicable grade or cadre.
- The location or nature of the assignment.
- The official terms of employment.
- The applicable allowances.
- The recruitment deadline.
- The authenticity of the recruitment portal.
The exact salary attached to a successful appointment should ultimately be determined by the official employment documentation.
READ ALSO: Federal Government Launches N50,000 Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS) for Small Businesses via SMEDAN
Beware of Fake NAQS Salary Information
The popularity of government recruitment exercises has created a large market for misleading salary claims.
You may see websites claiming:
- “NAQS pays ₦500,000 monthly for fresh graduates.”
- “Every NAQS worker earns ₦1 million.”
- “NAQS salary is guaranteed at ₦300,000.”
- “Pay money to get a higher salary grade.”
Applicants should be careful with such claims.
Salary is normally determined by the applicable government structure, position, grade, step and employment terms.
No legitimate recruitment agent should ask you to pay money to manipulate your salary grade.
NAQS Salary FAQ
How much does NAQS pay monthly?
There is no single monthly salary for all NAQS employees. Pay depends on the position, grade level, step, qualification, allowances and applicable government salary structure.
What is the starting salary at NAQS?
The starting salary depends on the position and grade at which the candidate is appointed. Figures published online for entry-level positions are often historical estimates and should not be treated as confirmed 2026 salaries.
Does NAQS pay graduates well?
NAQS offers professional and administrative career opportunities within the Federal Government. However, the actual salary of a graduate depends on the position, cadre and applicable salary structure.
Does NAQS pay allowances?
Eligible employees may receive applicable government-approved allowances depending on their position, grade, assignment and other conditions.
Does NAQS offer pension benefits?
Eligible employees participate in Nigeria’s applicable pension system in accordance with pension regulations.
Can an employee’s salary increase after joining NAQS?
Yes. Remuneration can increase through progression within the salary structure, promotion, approved salary reviews and applicable allowances.
Does location affect NAQS salary?
The basic salary is generally determined by the applicable salary structure rather than simply by location. However, certain assignments or locations may attract specific allowances or benefits where applicable.
Is the NAQS salary the same for every employee?
No. Employees work in different cadres, positions and grades, so their remuneration can differ substantially.
Final Verdict: Is a Career With NAQS Worth It?
The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service offers more than a monthly salary.
It provides an opportunity to work in a specialised area of Nigeria’s public sector involving agricultural protection, border biosecurity, plant health, animal health and international agricultural trade.
For graduates and professionals interested in agriculture, veterinary medicine, biological sciences, administration and related fields, NAQS can provide valuable public-sector experience and opportunities for career progression.
However, anyone researching the NAQS salary structure in 2026 should be careful with exact figures published online.
Salary information can become outdated when government pay structures are reviewed, and allowances can vary according to grade, position and assignment.
The most reliable figure for a successful applicant will therefore be the remuneration stated in the official appointment and applicable government salary documentation.
If you are considering applying for the current NAQS recruitment exercise, do not choose a position based solely on an internet salary estimate. First confirm that you meet the requirements, understand the job responsibilities and verify that you are using the legitimate recruitment process.
You can also visit Dailylight Channel Graduate Jobs Section, Internship Program, Recruitment Exercises, and Job and Career Opportunity Desk Section to explore and discover opportunities you are qualified to apply for.
