So you’re about to join NDLEA or you’ve been eyeing their recruitment forms.
Now you dey wonder:
If I go as a cadet, will I make more money than a recruit?\
Which allowance sweet pass during training?
Chill, I got you. This post breaks down everything about NDLEA cadet vs recruit allowance in 2025 side by side comparison, real numbers, duration, and even vibes from Kaduna training camp.
Who is NDLEA Cadet?
Cadets = officer trainees.
Enter through NDLEA Academy (Jos or Kaduna).
Usually graduates (HND/BSc).
Training length: 9–12 months.
Graduate as Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics (ASN).
They dey officer track = higher pay scale, faster promotions, fat allowances 💳.
Who is NDLEA Recruit?
Recruits = entry-level non-officer trainees.
Minimum qualification = SSCE/OND.
Training length: 4–6 months.
Graduate as Narcotic Agent/Constable.
They dey junior staff track = smaller allowance, gradual climb, still legit career path.
Cadet vs Recruit Allowance (2025 Estimate)
| Category | Recruit Allowance (₦) | Cadet Allowance (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Pay | ₦25,000 – ₦30,000 | ₦35,000 – ₦45,000 |
| Training Duration | 4–6 months | 9–12 months |
| Total Training Earnings | ₦100k – ₦180k | ₦350k – ₦500k |
| Accommodation | Provided | Provided (better hostels) |
| Feeding | Subsidized | Subsidized |
No cap, cadets dey earn almost double recruits during training.
Why Cadets Earn More
Education level: BSc/HND gives higher CONPASS entry point.
Responsibility: Cadets dey groomed for command.
Duration: Longer training = more months of allowance.
After Training: Salary Difference
Recruit salary: ₦50k–₦65k starting.
Cadet salary: ₦120k+ starting.
Imagine finishing together at camp, then cadet first alert land triple what recruit gets.
Real-Life Vibes From Training
Recruits: “We dey chop beans every night but allowance still dey manage transport.”
Cadets: “We dey complain allowance small, but when compare to recruits, e sweet.”
Truth is, nobody dey ball in training. The money na survival level, not flex level. But cadets get small breathing space.
Cadet vs Recruit: Which Path Better?
It depends:
If you get SSCE/OND: Recruit path still valid.
If you hold degree: Cadet path gives better pay + career boost.
If your goal na steady federal job: Either path still secure pension + benefits.
Cadet = fast lane, Recruit = grind lane.
Timeline of Allowance Flow
Allowance starts 2–3 weeks into training.
Paid monthly or bi-monthly.
Sometimes delay (federal wahala).
After passing out parade → allowance stops, salary kicks in.
READ ALSO: How much is NDLEA training allowance 2025
NDLEA Salary Structure After Training 2025
FAQ on NDLEA Cadet vs Recruit Allowance 2025
Q1: Can a recruit later become a cadet?
Yes, by furthering education + reapplying for officer cadre.
Q2: Is cadet allowance always paid on time?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no (depends on budget releases).
Q3: Can recruits survive on ₦25k allowance?
Tough, but NDLEA provides hostel + feeding subsidies.
Q4: Do cadets and recruits train in the same place?
Sometimes same state (Kaduna/Jos), but facilities differ.
Finally;
In 2025, NDLEA cadets still chop more allowance than recruits.
Cadet = ₦35k–₦45k monthly
Recruit = ₦25k–₦30k monthly
But whichever route you choose, you’re on track to serve Nigeria 🇳🇬, secure a federal job, and earn stable income with growth.
Stay plugged to JobCallUp.com for the freshest NDLEA allowance + salary gist.