Nursing remains one of the most respected and indispensable professions in Nigeria. Nurses play a critical role in healthcare delivery by providing direct care, supporting doctors, educating patients, and saving lives every day.

If you are considering a career in nursing or are simply curious about how much nurses earn in Nigeria, this article provides a complete breakdown of the updated salary structure of nurses in Nigeria in 2025, comparing private and government hospitals in detail.

This guide is perfect for nursing students, practicing nurses, job seekers, and even policy makers who want to understand how nursing salaries in Nigeria compare across different sectors.

Why Understanding Nurses’ Salaries in Nigeria is Important

Knowing what nurses earn in Nigeria can help you:

• Plan your career path wisely.

• Decide whether to work in a government or private hospital.

• Negotiate better pay during interviews.

• Understand the challenges and opportunities within the profession.

Factors That Affect Nurses’ Salaries in Nigeria

Several factors determine how much a nurse earns in Nigeria, including:

• Type of employer (government vs private)

• Years of experience

• Educational qualification

• Location (urban vs rural)

• Specialization (e.g., midwifery, anesthetics)

• Level of responsibility

Let’s now look at how these factors come together in the actual salary figures.

Government Nurses’ Salary Structure in Nigeria 2025

Nurses employed in government hospitals — federal, state, or local government — are paid based on the CONHESS (Consolidated Health Salary Structure).

Average Salary of Government Nurses:

• Entry-level nurse (newly employed):
  ₦80,000 – ₦120,000 per month

• Mid-level nurse (3–5 years’ experience):
  ₦130,000 – ₦170,000 per month

• Senior-level nurse (6–10 years’ experience):
  ₦180,000 – ₦250,000 per month

• Specialist nurse or matron:
  ₦250,000 – ₦400,000+ per month

Benefits for Government Nurses:

• Pension and gratuity

• Maternity leave

• Housing allowance

• Uniform allowance

• Job security

• Paid annual leave

• Training and promotions based on years of service

Private Nurses’ Salary Structure in Nigeria 2025

Nurses who work in private hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities often earn less than their government counterparts, though some high-end private hospitals now compete favorably with government pay.

Average Salary of Private Nurses:

• Entry-level nurse (newly employed):
  ₦50,000 – ₦90,000 per month

• Mid-level nurse (3–5 years’ experience):
  ₦100,000 – ₦150,000 per month

• Senior-level nurse (6–10 years’ experience):
  ₦150,000 – ₦200,000 per month

• Specialist nurse or matron:
  ₦200,000 – ₦300,000+ per month

Benefits for Private Nurses:

• Sometimes more flexible work schedules

• Opportunity to negotiate pay increases directly

• Exposure to advanced medical technology (in some elite hospitals)

• Performance-based incentives (occasionally)

Comparison Table: Government vs Private Nurses’ Salaries in Nigeria 2025

Advantages of Working in Government Hospitals

• Better job security

• Regular promotions

• Better retirement benefits

• Structured salary progression

• Union protection and advocacy

Advantages of Working in Private Hospitals

• Faster hiring process

• More opportunities for immediate negotiation

• Sometimes more modern equipment and working environment

• Possibility of higher pay in elite or foreign-owned hospitals

How Specializations Impact Nursing Salaries

Specialized nurses often earn more than general nurses. Examples of specializations include:

• Midwives

• Nurse anesthetists

• Critical care nurses

• Pediatric nurses

• Oncology nurses

Specialist nurses can earn between ₦250,000 and ₦500,000 monthly, depending on experience and the facility.

Regional Differences in Nursing Salaries

Location also affects nurses’ pay. For example:

• Nurses in Lagos and Abuja generally earn more due to higher cost of living.

• Rural areas may pay less, but often provide housing or other incentives.

Tips for Negotiating a Better Nursing Salary

If you’re starting or advancing your career, here are tips to maximize your pay:

• Obtain higher qualifications (like BNSc, MSc).

• Gain experience in specialized fields.

• Research salaries and know your worth before interviews.

• Consider working in federal hospitals or elite private hospitals.

• Be willing to relocate to areas with higher pay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nurses’ Salaries in Nigeria

1. Who earns more: nurses in government or private hospitals?

Generally, government-employed nurses earn more, especially in the long run, due to structured salary scales and benefits.

2. Do nurses in Nigeria receive pension?

Yes, government-employed nurses are entitled to pension and gratuity upon retirement.

3. How much does a midwife earn in Nigeria?

Midwives typically earn ₦200,000–₦400,000 monthly, depending on experience and employer.

4. Can private hospitals pay more than government hospitals?

In rare cases — usually in elite or foreign-owned hospitals — private facilities may offer competitive or higher salaries.

5. What is the starting salary for nurses in Nigeria?

Entry-level nurses earn between ₦50,000–₦120,000 monthly depending on the sector.

6. How long does it take to be promoted as a nurse in government service?

Promotions usually follow every 3–5 years, tied to performance, exams, and available positions.

7. Do nurses in rural areas earn less?

Yes, but they may receive additional incentives like housing and hardship allowances.

8. What is the highest-paying nursing specialization in Nigeria?

Specializations like anesthetics, critical care, and midwifery often attract the highest pay.

9. Are there allowances in private hospitals?

Some private hospitals offer transport, uniform, and performance bonuses, but not as structured as in government hospitals.

10. Can I work both in a government and private hospital?

Some nurses take part-time jobs in private hospitals while employed by the government, but this depends on the employer’s policies.

Conclusion

The updated salary structure of nurses in Nigeria in 2025, comparing private and government sectors, shows that while government jobs offer higher pay, security, and benefits, some private hospitals are catching up with competitive salaries and modern working environments.

If your priority is job security, long-term benefits, and structured progression, the government sector is your best choice. But if you prefer flexibility and immediate negotiation opportunities, private hospitals might suit you better — especially at elite facilities.

In either sector, advancing your education, gaining experience, and specializing in high-demand areas can significantly increase your earnings.