Career
Understanding the Salary Structure for Urban Planners in Nigeria
Urban and Regional Planners, also referred to as City Planners or Town Planners, are responsible for designing and implementing land use plans and programs that support community development, manage population growth, address environmental problems, and rejuvenate physical infrastructure in urban and metropolitan areas.
These professionals determine optimal strategies to address community needs related to infrastructure and growth management. Their role involves comprehensive planning, including analyzing research on economic and environmental impacts.
What is the salary of an Urban and Regional Planner in Nigeria?
The salary structure for urban planners in Nigeria follows a standardized framework. These salaries are governed by the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), a gross salary system, which is the same system used for federal civil servants.
This structure is tiered across 15-grade levels, with additional steps within each level to account for experience and performance.
The salary of an urban and regional planner in Nigeria varies significantly based on various factors such as education, certifications, skills, professional experience and certificates, and the hiring organization.
Entry-level salaries typically begin at Grade Level 8 for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or related fields. Those with additional qualifications, such as master’s degrees or specialized certifications (e.g., NITP or TOPREC), may start at Grade Level 9 or higher.
As they gain experience and take on more responsibilities, they progress through levels such as CONPSS 10, 12, and 15, with corresponding salary increments.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of urban planning salaries, with examples such as CONPSS 8, CONPSS 12, and CONPSS 15, and discusses how additional certifications and professional development impact earnings. It also highlights the role of the national minimum wage in shaping the salary framework and ensuring equitable compensation across sectors.
Whether you are an aspiring urban planner or a professional looking to understand wage trends in the field, this comprehensive guide by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission sheds light on the financial landscape of urban planning in Nigeria.
The CONPSS Salary Structure
CONPSS 8 Salary Scale
For those at the CONPSS 8 level, the annual salary starts at approximately ₦799,000 at Step 1 and progresses to ₦1,174,395 by Step 15.
This scale typically applies to entry-level urban planning positions or those in the early stages of their careers, such as assistants or junior urban planners working under supervision. Essentially, the employees with 0 – 4 years of experience and who do not necessarily be a member of the professional body.
Here’s a breakdown of the salary progression within this scale:
Step Annual Salary
The incremental steps within this level account for years of service, performance, and professional development milestones.
CONPSS 12 Salary Scale
CONPSS 12 applies to mid-level Urban Planners. Urban planners on this scale are often responsible for tasks such as supporting the preparation of master plans, conducting site assessments, and assisting in zoning and land use planning. Salaries start at ₦1,221,722 annually and can increase to ₦1,747,532 as workers advance in experience and certification.
Typically, this salary scale range is for employees with 5 – 10 years of experience and who belong to the member of the professional body.
CONPSS 15 Salary Scale
The salary range for CONPSS 15 starts at ₦2,027,623 annually, progressing up to ₦2,693,980 at the highest step. This scale is typically for senior urban planners with advanced responsibilities, as well as additional skills in areas such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems), sustainable urban development, or transportation planning.
Typically, this salary scale range is for employees with 10 – 17 years of experience and who belong to the member of the professional body. This salary range could be found among top-ranking officers such as assistant directors.
Factors Affecting Salary Structure for Urban Planners in Nigeria
Several key factors influence the salaries of urban planners in Nigeria:
● Qualifications: Urban planners with higher qualifications, like a master’s degree or certifications like NITP or TOPREC, are placed at higher grade levels. Specialized skills, such as GIS or transportation planning, can further boost earning potential.
● Experience: Years of service and accumulated experience significantly affect salary progression. Urban planners advance through the steps of each grade level as they gain hands-on expertise in tasks such as urban design, zoning, and policy development.
● Performance: Periodic performance reviews and assessments are vital in salary increments. Exceptional performance may lead to promotions to higher grade levels or opportunities to manage more complex urban planning projects.
The Nigerian government periodically revises salary structure to address inflation and economic shifts. Recently, the Federal Government approved a salary increase across various public sector salary structures, including those relevant to urban planners. This adjustment aims to improve workers’ welfare and align compensation with the rising cost of living.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum monthly wage for Nigerian civil servants?
The current minimum monthly wage for Nigerian civil servants is ₦30,000.
2. How frequently are civil servant salaries revised?
Civil servant salaries are typically revised every few years, influenced by economic factors, inflation, and government policies.
3. Is it possible for civil servants to advance between salary grades?
Yes, civil servants can advance to higher salary grades based on their performance, qualifications, and years of experience.
4. Are allowances included in the salary structure?
In addition to their base salaries, civil servants may receive allowances such as housing, transportation, and healthcare, which vary according to their grade level.
5. How does the salary structure support career advancement?
The CONPSS salary structure motivates civil servants to enhance their qualifications and skills, which can lead to promotions and salary increases over time.
The Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) serves as a cornerstone for maintaining a structured and transparent pay system for Nigerian civil servants. It ensures fair compensation by considering employees’ qualifications, experience, and contributions.
Ongoing government initiatives to review and adjust salaries highlight a dedication to improving the well-being of civil servants in Nigeria.
Breaking News
Renowned Nigerian Singer Onyeka Onwenu Dies After Lagos Performance
Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress Onyeka Onwenu passed away on Tuesday, shortly after performing at a birthday party in Lagos.
The celebrated music icon was attending a friend’s private birthday celebration when she took to the stage to perform. After returning to her seat, Onwenu suddenly collapsed, prompting immediate concern among the attendees.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly and transported her to Reddington Hospital on Victoria Island. Despite the medical team’s efforts, Onwenu was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival.
Sources close to the family revealed that she fell ill during the event, leading to her collapse.
READ MORE: Adeleke Appeals To #EndBadGovernance2024 Organisers To Keep Osun Violence Free During Agitations
She said, “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli of Emzor Pharmaceuticals tonight. After performing, she slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital but couldn’t make it.”
The exact cause of her death is yet to be confirmed.
Born on 31 May 1952, Onwenu was a multifaceted artist whose career spanned over four decades. She was not only a renowned singer and songwriter but also an actress, journalist, and politician.
Onwenu’s music blended genres such as highlife, reggae, and pop, often addressed social and political issues. Some of her most popular songs include “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” and “Ekwe.”
Onwenu was also known for her political activism. She was chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and was appointed Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.
Earlier this year, Onwenu revealed she was producing a movie chronicling her experiences in the music industry spanning several decades. She expressed her excitement to share her personal story and how Nigerian music has evolved over time.
Onyeka Onwenu, known for her contributions to the Nigerian music and film industry, leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
Career
Adeleke Excites Workers With Wage Awards
Career
Ransom Threats: Fear Grips Kidnapped A’Ibom Corps Members’ Families
Families of the Akwa Ibom State prospective corps members, kidnapped on August 17, 2023, en route to the Sokoto State orientation camp, are anxiously dealing with the abductors’ demand of N10 million per person for the safe return of their loved ones.
Mr. Mfon Friday, a relative of one of the victims, diclosed on Thursday in Uyo that a total ransom of N30.8 million has been paid to the abductors thus far.
Expressing frustration and concern for the parents’ immense hardship due to their children’s abduction, Friday spoke vehemently about the situation.
He recalled that initially, N13.6 million was paid by the parents, followed by an additional N17.2 million towards the end of last month (October). Despite these payments, their children remained unreleased.
He lamented: “As we speak, our children are still in Zamfara bush, including the driver of AKTC and it is over 100 days when they were kidnapped. When they called on Monday, the kidnappers said parents should pay another N70 million.
“Remember the first ransom the parents paid was over N13 million and it was paid collectively. But this time, they want the parents to pay N10 million each. Before end of October, N17 million was paid, making it about N30.8 million so far paid, yet they didn’t free those children.
“They only released one of the girls. And Monday this week, when they contacted us, they demanded N10 million from each family. How are we going to raise that kind of money? Those people failed to understand that those children are not from rich families.
“They even threatened to leave those children to die if the parents don’t pay the ransom very soon. I am very, very angry. Why can’t our government, the federal and state governments, do something to save the lives of those young graduates? In fact, when the parents heard that all the children were sick, you needed to see how they were crying, especially the mothers.
“They are not children of Policemen, the Army and politicians that is why they have been allowed to remain in kidnappers den till today? We are praying that nothing happens to them. And I am using this platform to appeal for urgent help from every well meaning citizens of this country, so that these children will not die in the kidnappers den.”
A sibling of one of the victims, speaking anonymously to Vanguard after the affected families convened in Uyo on Tuesday, revealed that the abductors received the N17.2 million ransom before releasing the female victims last month.
Reports suggested that these individuals were severely ill during their captivity.
“In fact, I learned that the remaining seven have also fallen seriously sick and that is why the kidnappers are demanding this huge ransom and threatening that if we don’t pay very soon, those children will die. I am scared, I don’t want my sister to die. We are orphans, we struggled to go to school,” she lamented







