Highest Paying States For Registered Nurses In Nigeria

When it comes to the nursing profession in Nigeria, salaries can vary significantly depending on the state, type of institution, and level of experience. As of 2024, certain states and institutions are known to offer higher pay scales for registered nurses.

Top Paying States

1. Lagos State: Known for its economic vibrancy, Lagos offers competitive salaries for nurses, especially in private institutions serving elite clients. Nurses in Lagos can expect higher pay scales compared to other regions due to the higher cost of living and the presence of numerous high-end private hospitals.

2. Rivers State: With its oil wealth, Rivers State, particularly in cities like Port Harcourt, provides lucrative opportunities for nurses. The oil companies often require occupational health nurses, who are well compensated. Public hospitals here also offer decent salaries.

3. Federal Capital Territory (FCT): Abuja, being the capital city, has numerous federal institutions that follow the federal salary structure. Nurses in federal hospitals here are paid based on the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which is generally higher than the state levels.

Institutional Pay Scales

Federal Government Hospitals: Nurses in federal institutions generally earn more than those in state hospitals. The Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) ensures that federal nurses receive better pay, often including allowances such as hazard pay, call duty, and shift duty allowances. For example, fresh graduates can earn between ₦80,000 and ₦150,000 depending on their level and step.

Private Hospitals: While private hospitals in Nigeria tend to pay less than federal institutions, there are exceptions. High-end private hospitals in states like Lagos and Abuja can offer competitive salaries that match or even exceed those of federal hospitals. However, the range is broad, with many private institutions paying between ₦45,000 and ₦60,000 for entry-level nurses.

NGOs and International Organizations: Nurses working with international NGOs such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) or UNICEF often receive higher compensation packages. These organizations not only offer competitive salaries, which can be around ₦280,000 to ₦500,000 per month depending on the role and experience but also provide additional benefits such as housing and transportation allowances.

Specialized Nursing Roles

Certain specialized nursing roles attract higher salaries across various states:

• Certified Nurse-Midwives: These professionals, who focus on women's health and childbirth, can earn significantly more, with average annual salaries of around ₦1,200,500.

• Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs): These nurses provide comprehensive care across the lifespan and can earn about ₦850,200 annually.

• Occupational Health Nurses: Employed by large corporations or industries, these nurses can earn between ₦80,000 and above, with significant variations based on the employer and additional certifications held by the nurse.

Allowances and Additional Income

Besides basic salaries, nurses in Nigeria are often entitled to various allowances. These can include:

• Hazard Allowance: For exposure to health risks.

• Call Duty Allowance: For working on-call shifts.

• Shift Duty Allowance: For working in shifts, especially night shifts.

• Teaching Allowance: For those involved in training and educating other nurses.

Additionally, nurses can increase their income through private practice, consulting, and engaging in side gigs such as health blogging, coaching, and writing.

Conclusion

While nursing in Nigeria can be challenging due to varying pay scales and working conditions, certain states and institutions offer more attractive compensation packages. Federal hospitals, high-end private hospitals, and international NGOs are notable for their higher salaries and comprehensive benefits. With additional qualifications and specialization, nurses can further enhance their earning potential and career prospects in the healthcare sector.