Nigerian Navy Ranks and Symbols. The Nigerian Navy which is a very important branch of the Nigerian Military has ranks and symbols which you can use to identify the position every naval personnel possesses. The Nigerian Navy is in charge of securing the Nigerian borderline through the Sea. They are also attached to other internal operations with the likes of the Nigerian police and the Nigerian Army when the need arises.
The Nigerian Navy ranks are divided into two different categories. The Commissioned Officers and Ratings also known as the Non Commissioned officers. Each rank carries it’s own command and responsibilities. Before we show you the Symbols of the Nigerian Navy ranks, let’s first look at the Navy ranks just as we did when we wrote about the Nigerian Navy Salary 2024.
Nigerian Navy Ranks
The Commissioned Officers
The Nigerian Navy commissioned officers are Commissioned by commander in chief of the Armed forces which is always the President of the Federal republic of Nigeria. The are the ones that are in charge of the non commissioned officers. The non commissioned officers also known as ratings are always deployed under them.
The ranks of Commissioned Officers in the Nigerian Navy are as below.
- Midshipman
- Sub-Lieutenant
- Lieutenant
- Lieutenant Commander
- Commander
- Captain
- Commodore
- Rear Admiral
- Vice Admiral
- Admiral
The ranks mentioned above is for the Nigerian Navy commissioned officers. Now let’s look at the ratings ranks.
Nigerian Navy Ratings
Ratings also known as non commissioned officers are the type of officers in the Nigerian Navy that undergoes the Nigerian Navy basic military training for the period of six months before they graduate to become a member of the Nigerian Navy. As we have said earlier, the ratings are always deployed under the Commissioned officers in the Nigerian Navy. The Nigerian Navy ratings ranks are as follows.
- Ordinary Seaman
- Seaman
- Able Seaman
- Leading Seaman
- Petty Officer
- Warrant Officer
- Master Warrant Officer
- Navy Warrant Officer.
The ranks above is for the Non Commissioned officers in the Nigerian Navy. Now let’s look at symbols of each rank in the Nigerian Navy.
Symbols in the Nigerian Navy
Ranks and symbols are important elements of the Nigerian Navy’s structure and culture, it is a sign of authority, creates discipline, and promote professionalism among the Nigerian Navy. The Navy ranks and symbols are framework for leadership development, career progression, and operational effectiveness within the Navy, to ensure that personnel are trained, equipped, and prepared to fulfill their duties and responsibilities at sea and other operations.
Below are the Nigerian Navy ranks and their corresponding symbols:
Nigerian Navy Ranks And Symbols
Commissioned officers
- Admiral (ADM) – Four stars
- Vice Admiral (VADM) – Three stars
- Rear Admiral (RADM) – Two stars
- Commodore (CDRE) – One star
- Captain (CAPT) – Four stripes
- Commander (CDR) – Three stripes
- Lieutenant Commander (LTCDR) – Two stripes and a star
- Lieutenant (LT) – Two stripes
- Sub Lieutenant (SLT) – One stripe
- Midshipman (MID) – No stripes or stars
Non commissioned officers
1. Master warrant Officer (MWO) – Royal Nigerian Navy insignia
2. Warrant Officer (WO) – Nigerian Navy insignia
4. Petty Officer (PO) – Two Anchors and Eagle on top.
5. Leading Seaman (LS) – Anchor
6. Able Seaman (AB) – Ship Steering
The ranks and symbols of the Nigerian Navy shows the traditions, values, and command in the Nigerian navy.
