Fellow Nurses Africa News || Abuja, Nigeria Tuesday, July 01, 2025
The nursing community in Nigeria is voicing strong opposition as the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) Federal Health Institutions (FHI) Sector has rejected the recently approved healthcare allowance review under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Announced in a press release on June 30, 2025, this decision challenges the June 27 circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which outlined pay adjustments effective January 1, 2025. Nurses argue that the review falls short of expectations and betrays the promises of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, sparking concerns over fair compensation and welfare in a strained healthcare system.
The NSIWC Circular: Details and Limitations
The NSIWC, led by Chairman Ekpo U. O. Nta, Esq., introduced a range of allowances to support a workforce impacted by the exodus of 16,000 doctors and 42,000 nurses due to the “Japa syndrome.” Based on the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), the estimated figures are:
- Call Duty Allowance: ₦15,000–₦40,000 monthly, capped at 40 units (1 unit = 8 hours), aligned with CONHESS 07–12 levels.
- Shift Duty Allowance: ₦15,000–₦34,000 for night shifts and weekends, based on CONHESS 07–11.
- Specialist Allowance: ₦50,000–₦100,000 for consultants (CONHESS 13–15), but not extended to specialized nurses.
- Clinical Duty Allowance: ₦40,000–₦80,000 for honorary consultants (CONHESS 12–14).
- Teaching Allowance: ₦30,000–₦60,000 for trainers (CONHESS 09–13).
- Rural Posting Allowance: ₦20,000–₦50,000 for rural service (CONHESS 07–12).
While intended to boost morale, the circular’s vague annexes and modest increases have drawn criticism, especially given Nigeria’s health budget of 5.18% (₦2.48 trillion), well below the 15% Abuja Declaration target.
Nurses’ Concerns: A Call for Fairness
Fellow Nurses Africa spoke to several nurses on condition of anonymity, who expressed disappointment with the review. “This allowance doesn’t reflect the hours we put in—₦15,000 for call duty is insulting,” said a senior nurse from a federal teaching hospital. A critical care specialist added, “Specialized nurses like me deserve recognition, not just consultants getting ₦100,000.”
NANNM-FHI, led by National Secretary Comrade Nr. Enya Agatha Osinachi, echoed these sentiments, stating that the allowances fail to address key welfare needs, particularly for shift and call duties. The lack of specialty pay for fields like psychiatry and pediatrics—where nurses seek CONHESS-aligned rates—has fueled their stance. “This review betrays the Renewed Hope Agenda,” a rural nurse noted, indicating readiness to push for better terms.
A Growing Dispute: Potential Action Ahead
NANNM is calling for a comprehensive revision of the allowance structure, aligned with CONHESS levels, and has urged President Tinubu to intervene. They have hinted at possible industrial action if their demands are not met. “We need fair pay for our work,” a nurse leader said anonymously. Opinions vary, with some administrators viewing the NSIWC’s effort as a starting point, while others, including anonymous doctors, see it as a political move. Rumors of a protest are circulating as tensions rise.
The Broader Context: A Struggling Sector
With healthcare professionals leaving in large numbers, this dispute highlights deeper issues. “We’re stretched thin, and this review doesn’t help,” a nurse leader told Fellow Nurses Africa anonymously. NANNM remains committed to advocating for nurses’ rights and better policies.
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I am very disappointed with this circular, despite the hectic nights with work overload yet we are not recognized by all.They think becoming a nurse is very easy and simple,we stay and take care of the patient for 24 hours impact I am short in words.Hmmm
The way the Nigerian government treats nurses is poor and nursing Job is a lot. They want nurses to stay back and work for their country but the renumeration and rating are very poor. The circular only shows the government doesn’t appreciate or recognize our worth which is annoying.
It’s quite sad and disrespectful the way and manner nurses are looked upon and treated in this country. Nurses do loads of heavy work, with extra shifts so as to give the patients the best of care. But in return, nurses are the less on the table when it comes to salaries and other benefits compared to other health workers in the health sector. What are the parameters used in allocating salaries/allowances to nurses? What is the criteria ? In other parts of the world USA, UK, Canada, Australia etc nurses are well paid and taken care of because, they value the work done by nurses. Part of the advocacy should be on : salary/allowances per hour to just like it’s done in other countries. Due to these very tasking and heavy shifts, nurses have come down with life threatening /long term health complications. Government should as a matter of urgency do the needful to bridge the gap between nurses and other health workers in the country.