Midwives play an essential role in Nigeria’s healthcare system. They support pregnant women during antenatal care, labour, delivery, and postpartum care. In 2025, Nigeria continues to face a shortage of qualified midwives, making the profession highly important and in demand.
One of the most common questions asked by those interested in the field is: “What is the midwifery salary in Nigeria in 2025?”
This article provides a full breakdown of the monthly salary and allowances for midwives in Nigeria. It covers government and private hospital pay, entry-level salaries, allowances, benefits, and factors that affect how much midwives earn.
How Is Midwifery Salary in Nigeria Determined?
Midwifery salaries in Nigeria depend on several factors. Understanding these factors will help you know what to expect as a new or experienced midwife:
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Place of work: Federal hospitals, state hospitals, and private hospitals all pay differently.
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Level of qualification: Registered midwives, midwife nurses, and advanced practitioners earn different salaries.
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Experience and grade level: Salaries increase as you move up in years of service and rank.
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Location: Midwives in urban areas like Lagos and Abuja usually earn more than those in rural areas.
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Allowances: Housing, hazard, and call duty allowances increase total take-home pay.
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Employment type: Permanent government staff enjoy better pay and job security than contract staff.
Midwifery Salary Structure in Nigeria (2025)
In Nigeria, government-employed midwives are paid based on the CONHESS (Consolidated Health Salary Structure). Private hospital salaries vary depending on the size and resources of the hospital.
Government Hospitals (Federal and State)
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Entry-level midwives (CONHESS 7): ₦80,000 – ₦120,000 monthly
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Experienced midwives (CONHESS 8 – 10): ₦130,000 – ₦200,000 monthly
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Senior midwives / Heads of department (CONHESS 11 and above): ₦220,000 – ₦300,000+ monthly
These figures include basic salary and allowances.
Private Hospitals
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Small private clinics: ₦50,000 – ₦80,000 monthly
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Medium-sized private hospitals: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000 monthly
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Large, well-funded hospitals: ₦150,000 – ₦220,000 monthly
Private hospital salaries are not as standardized as government pay and may not always include allowances.
Allowances and Benefits for Midwives in Nigeria
Allowances are a big part of midwifery salary in Nigeria. They significantly increase monthly earnings.
Common Allowances
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Hazard allowance: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 per month (depending on hospital)
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Call duty allowance: Paid when you are on night or weekend shifts
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Shift duty allowance: Additional pay for working irregular hours
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Rural posting allowance: Incentives for midwives posted to remote areas
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Housing allowance: For midwives not provided with government quarters
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Uniform allowance: Annual payment for uniform upkeep
Other Benefits
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Pension and gratuity for government staff
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Paid annual leave and maternity leave
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Training and professional development opportunities
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Job security (especially for permanent government workers)
Summary Table: Midwifery Salary in Nigeria (2025)
Here is a summary of the average monthly salary and allowances for midwives in Nigeria:
| Employer Type | Entry-Level Salary (₦) | Experienced Midwives (₦) | Senior Midwives (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Government | 100,000 – 120,000 | 140,000 – 200,000 | 220,000 – 300,000+ |
| State Government | 80,000 – 110,000 | 120,000 – 180,000 | 200,000 – 280,000 |
| Private (small clinic) | 50,000 – 80,000 | 80,000 – 100,000 | 100,000 – 150,000 |
| Private (large hospital) | 120,000 – 150,000 | 150,000 – 200,000 | 200,000 – 220,000 |
Midwifery Salary by Grade Level (CONHESS)
In government hospitals, salaries are structured by grade levels.
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CONHESS 7 (entry-level): ₦80,000 – ₦120,000 monthly
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CONHESS 8: ₦120,000 – ₦150,000 monthly
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CONHESS 9: ₦150,000 – ₦180,000 monthly
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CONHESS 10: ₦180,000 – ₦200,000 monthly
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CONHESS 11 – 13 (senior staff): ₦220,000 – ₦300,000+ monthly
As midwives gain experience and obtain higher certifications, they move up the salary scale.
Do Midwives in Nigeria Earn More Than Nurses?
In most cases, registered nurses and registered midwives on the same grade level earn similar salaries. However, midwives working in maternity units may receive additional allowances for call duty and night shifts, slightly boosting their earnings.
Midwifery Salary in Urban vs Rural Areas
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Urban areas (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt): Higher pay because of higher cost of living and better funding.
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Rural areas: Pay is usually lower, but rural posting allowances can help bridge the gap.
Midwifery Salary in Private Hospitals
Private hospitals set their own salary structure. Larger, more reputable hospitals pay more and may even match government salaries. Small clinics often pay less but may offer flexible working conditions.
How to Increase Your Midwifery Salary in Nigeria
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Gain more experience: Salaries increase as you move up the CONHESS scale.
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Get higher qualifications: Advanced certificates in midwifery and nursing increase pay.
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Apply to federal hospitals: They generally pay higher than state or private facilities.
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Work in urban centers: Larger cities offer higher wages and better allowances.
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Take additional duties: Night shifts, weekend duties, and rural postings attract extra allowances.
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Seek opportunities abroad: Many Nigerian midwives migrate to countries with higher pay.
Midwives Working Abroad: How Does Nigerian Salary Compare?
Midwives in developed countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia earn much higher salaries compared to Nigeria.
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UK: £2,000 – £3,500 (₦2.5 – ₦4.5 million) per month
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USA: $4,000 – $6,000 (₦5 – ₦7.5 million) per month
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Canada: CAD 3,500 – CAD 5,000 (₦4 – ₦6 million) per month
This is why many Nigerian midwives consider international opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Midwifery Salary in Nigeria (2025)
1. What is the starting salary for midwives in Nigeria?
Entry-level midwives in federal government hospitals earn between ₦100,000 and ₦120,000 per month in 2025.
2. Do midwives get hazard allowances?
Yes, hazard allowances range from ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 monthly depending on the hospital.
3. Which pays more: federal or state hospitals?
Federal hospitals generally pay more than state hospitals.
4. Do private hospitals pay better than government hospitals?
Large private hospitals may match government pay, but small clinics usually pay less.
5. How much do senior midwives earn?
Senior midwives on CONHESS 11 and above can earn ₦220,000 – ₦300,000+ per month.
6. Do midwives receive housing allowances?
Yes, some hospitals pay housing allowances if quarters are not provided.
7. Can midwives work part-time?
Some private hospitals allow part-time work, but government positions are usually full-time.
8. Are there differences in salary across states?
Yes, states like Lagos and Abuja generally pay higher than rural states with fewer resources.
9. Can midwives work outside hospitals?
Yes, they can work in health centers, NGOs, private maternity homes, and international organizations.
10. Is midwifery a profitable career in Nigeria?
Yes, especially with opportunities for allowances, career growth, and international migration.
Conclusion: Midwifery Salary in Nigeria Is Competitive in 2025
The midwifery salary in Nigeria (2025) ranges from ₦80,000 to over ₦300,000 monthly depending on level, experience, and place of work. Federal government hospitals pay the highest, while private clinics may pay less but offer flexible conditions.
Midwives also benefit from hazard allowances, call duty allowances, and housing support, which make the profession financially rewarding.
If you are passionate about maternal health and want a stable career, midwifery remains one of the most respected and rewarding healthcare professions in Nigeria.