Officers holding the ranks of lieutenant-general, major-general and brigadier-general may be generically considered to be generals.

Yakubu Gowon became the first officer to be promoted to the rank of general in 1970 immediately after the Nigerian Civil War.

In 1990, Domkat Bali became the first regular officer to be promoted to the rank of general, without serving as the head of state.

Since 1990, it became customary for all Chiefs of Defence Staff to be promoted to the rank of general on appointment to the office.

The insignia for the highest rank, that of Field Marshal, consists of crossed batons within a wreath and surmounted by an eagle.