Nigeria SSS Salary Scale Structure (State Security Service) » Voice of Nigeria
Understand the State Security Service of Nigeria: Salary, Structure, and Functions
Key Points:
- SSS Salary: Details on the salary structure remain confidential, but it’s known that the Director-General earns around N1 million monthly.
- State Security Service (SSS) of Nigeria: A key intelligence agency, managed by the presidency, that ensures the safety of top government officials and foreign envoys.
- SSS Functions and Activities: The SSS is tasked with various responsibilities, from maintaining domestic security to enforcing criminal law, often operating undercover to gather vital intelligence.
About State Security Service (SSS)
Nigeria’s State Security Service, also called the Department of State Services (DSS), plays a crucial role in gathering intelligence for the country. This agency is directly managed by the presidency, with its leaders chosen by the president’s office.
The National Security Adviser, who is also selected by the president, supervises the SSS. This individual has a significant say in the agency’s operations and appointments.
One of the SSS’s key roles is to protect high-ranking government officials, including the governors of Nigeria’s 36 states and the president. When foreign representatives visit Nigeria, it’s the SSS’s job to ensure their safety as well.
Functions of the State Security Service
The SSS performs a variety of critical duties. Not only do they safeguard foreign envoys, state governors, the president, and other top government officials, they also protect Nigeria from domestic threats.
Their responsibilities also include enforcing criminal law in Nigeria. Both federal and state governments rely on the SSS for criminal justice services.
In addition to protecting high-level officials, the SSS also safeguards the family members of these government representatives. This includes ensuring the safety of all past presidents and their spouses.
If someone runs for presidency, the SSS must protect that individual and their vice-presidential candidate, provided they’re popular candidates likely to face threats.
The SSS adapts to changing security threats in Nigeria and globally, countering insurgencies and terrorism.
Salary Structures of the State Security Service
The exact salary structure of SSS officers remains confidential, but it’s known that the Director-General receives up to N1 million per month. The salaries of other staff members aren’t publicly available due to the classified nature of their work.
Activities and Operations of the State Security Service
Most of the SSS’s activities and operations are classified, meaning they’re not made public. They often work in secrecy, excelling in gathering intelligence from challenging locations. They maintain high confidentiality and never disclose their work to outsiders.
Many SSS officers work undercover. Some work exclusively as SSS officials and wear uniforms with “DSS” printed on them. Others work in different professions like naval staff, businessmen/women, civil servants, soldiers, and police officers. They don’t wear SSS uniforms, but stay in touch with the SSS head office to relay important national issues.
State Security Service Recruitment
Unlike the Nigeria Air Force, Navy, Army, and Police, the SSS doesn’t have a specific recruitment period. They can recruit at any time and put shortlisted candidates through various tests and intensive training.
To qualify for employment, candidates must have at least WAEC or NECO certificates. They also recruit higher institution graduates if they have relevant degrees and qualifications.
Achievements and Shortcomings
Over the years, the SSS has made several notable achievements. For instance, in 1993, they arrested Omar Mohammed Ali Rezaq, an Egyptian bomber, as he attempted to enter Nigeria via the Nigeria-Benin Republic border.
However, there have been some failures as well. They allowed Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab to board a Northwest Airlines flight from Lagos, despite his father’s warning about his radical views on the United States.
State Security Service Headquarters
The SSS headquarters is located at Aso Drive in Maitama, Abuja. The building, known as the “Yellow House,” is situated on the northern edge of the three-arm zone. You can visit their official website at www.dss.gov.ng. Their motto is “Loyalty, Vigilance, Verity.
