Ranks In The Nigerian Navy (2024 Latest Update)

Ranks in the Nigerian Navy: Aspiring to serve in the Nigerian army, using it as a research topic, or are you trying out to find out what you heard about the ranks in the Nigerian Navy?

While most people do not understand that we have ranks in the Nigerian Navy, some other people is finding it difficult to differentiate the ranks, while others know a handful about the ranks in the Nigerian Army.

The Nigerian Navy is a branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces responsible for the protection of Nigeria’s territorial waters and maritime interests.

The Nigerian Navy, like other branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces, has a hierarchical structure that defines the ranks of its personnel.

In this article we will be looking at the different ranks in the Nigerian army and what makes them different from the other

Ranks in the Nigerian Navy 

• Commissioned officers
• Non-commissioned officers

The commissioned officers include;

1. Midshipman
2. Sub-lieutenant
3. Lieutenant
4. Lieutenant commander
5. Commander
6. Captain
7. Commodore
8. Rear admiral
9. Vice admiral
10. Admiral

Midshipman

This position is the entry-level rank for commissioned officers in the Nigerian Navy. midshipmen are typically recent graduates of the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA) or Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) course and are still undergoing training

Sub-lieutenant

This level is for the commissioned officers ranked attained after their graduation from the NDA or DSSC course.

They are responsible for the management of small boats and are often in charge of a small naval vessel or a section of a larger vessel.

Lieutenant

This position is for persons who are responsible for the day-to-day running and management of the naval vessel and may also have the opportunity to command smaller vessels.

Lieutenant commander

This is a senior officer who may be responsible for the command of larger vessels or multiple smaller vessels.

They may also hold key staff positions within the navy

Commander

They are responsible for the management and are usually in command of the larger vessels and may also hold a senior staff position within the Nigerian navy

Captain

These are senior staff of the navy who is responsible for the overall command of the naval vessel.

They also hold some key positions in the Nigerian Navy.

Commodore

This is also a senior officer who is responsible for the command of multiple naval vessels.

They sometimes hold important staff positions in the Nigerian Navy.

Rear admiral

They are responsible for the management and command of the higher fleets. Also, they apply and get recruited or appointed to some important positions in the Nigerian Navy.

Vice admiral

They are solely responsible and in charge of the management of multiple naval fleets.

Their position is larger than the rear admiral because the rear admiral controls a single naval fleet but they have control of multiple naval fleets.

Admiral

This is like the first or the highest rank in the Nigerian Navy. The rank of Admiral is always held by the chief of naval staff.

The admiral/chief of staff is usually in control and in command of the whole Nigerian navy. He is the commander-in-chief of all other commanders or captains.

Non-commissioned Navy officer’s ranks include;

1. Ordinary seaman
2. Able seaman
3. Leading seaman
4. Petty officer
5. Chief petty officer
6. Warrant officer
7. Master warrant officer

Ordinary seaman

This is the rank at which all non-commissioned officers begin their careers. They are newly recruited personnel and are in the process of undergoing basic training.

Able seaman

Leading seaman

This rank is attained after serving as an Able Rating for a minimum of three years and undergoing additional training.

Petty officer

This rank is attained after serving as a Leading Rating for a minimum of three years and undergoing additional training.

Chief petty officer

This is one of the highest non-commissioned officers ranks in the Nigerian Navy and is attained after serving as a Petty Officer for a minimum of three years and undergoing additional training.

Conclusion

The Nigerian Navy is an essential branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces responsible for the protection of Nigeria’s territorial waters and maritime interests.

It has a hierarchical structure that defines the ranks of its personnel, which are divided into commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers.

It also offers a variety of career opportunities for those interested in serving their country and advancing their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions