The National Salaries, Wages and Income Commission has approved a 300 per cent increment in the uniform allowance for nurses in federal government employment, raising it from N20,000 to N80,000 per annum.
The upward review, which takes effect from January 2026, was announced in a memo obtained by our correspondent on Thursday.
In July 2025, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives had condemned the N20,000 annual uniform allowance as grossly inadequate, demanding systemic reforms including the establishment of a Directorate of Nursing Services at the Federal Ministry of Health to be headed by a registered nurse.
The NANNM-FHI President, Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, had told journalists that the allowance was announced without consultation with the association despite its impact on healthcare professionals.
In the memo signed by the NSIWC Chairman, Ekpo Nta, the commission directed that implementation would commence in January 2026.
Addressed to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, the memo also copied other ministers including the Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Dr Atiku Bagudu; and Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako.
It read in part, “Please refer to your letter No. C.2920/S.4/T2/33 dated November 17, 2025, in connection with the above-mentioned subject.
“I hereby convey approval for the implementation of the uniform allowance of N80,000 per annum for nurses in federal hospitals, medical centres and clinics in MDAs through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System with effect from January 1, 2026.
“Consequently, the allowance will no longer be paid from the overhead budget in order to streamline the payment with other regular allowances payable through IPPIS.”
On July 14, 2025, the nurses’ union had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, threatening a total healthcare shutdown without immediate intervention.
The union’s demands included upward review of shift allowance, adjustment of uniform allowance, a separate salary structure for nurses, increased hazard allowance, mass employment of nurses, and establishment of a nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.
The healthcare workers described the N20,000 yearly budget per nurse as insulting.
The nurses also complained of working with inadequate tools and equipment, including gloves, for several years.