How much does a Doctor earn in Nigeria?

Doctors in Nigeria are licensed medical professionals responsible for diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses in patients. They work in hospitals, private clinics, government health facilities, and sometimes in public health or research. Doctors assess patients, prescribe medication, perform procedures, and often collaborate in teams to provide holistic care. Specializations range from general practice to areas like surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics, and internal medicine.

The average salary for a doctor in Nigeria can vary based on the employer, location, and experience. The approximate figures are:

Note: These figures are estimates and can vary. Senior and specialized professionals may earn significantly more.

• Entry level (House Officer): 180000 - 250000
• Junior Doctor (1-3 years): 250000 - 400000
• Mid-level (Registrar/Senior Registrar): 450000 - 650000
• Consultant / Specialist: 700000 - 1500000

• Basic Medical Degree (MBBS/BDS): Holders of an MBBS or equivalent are eligible for entry-level roles such as House Officer, with salaries ranging from 180000 to 250000 NGN monthly.
• Postgraduate Residency (Fellowship, e.g., FWACS/FMCN): Doctors who have completed residency and obtained a fellowship from either the West African College of Physicians/Surgeons or the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria can earn from 700000 to over 1500000 NGN monthly as consultants.

Becoming a medical doctor in Nigeria is a rigorous process involving extensive university education, clinical training, and registration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

1. Obtain a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) or its equivalent with strong passes in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, and Mathematics.
2. Pass the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and secure admission to a recognised medical school in Nigeria, such as University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, or Lagos State University College of Medicine.
3. Complete a 6-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree.
4. Undertake a mandatory one-year internship (House Officer position) in an accredited hospital.
5. Participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme for one year.
6. Register with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for a licence to practice.
7. For specialization, pass the Primary Fellowship examinations and enrol in residency training programmes leading to Fellowships such as FWACS or FMCN.

A prospective doctor in Nigeria must first earn an MBBS degree (or its equivalent) from a university accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and approved by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). Postgraduate specialization also requires passing qualifying exams to enter residency, often in teaching hospitals affiliated with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) or the West African Postgraduate Medical College.

Doctors must hold a current practising licence from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). For specialization in fields such as surgery or internal medicine, doctors pursue additional fellowships such as Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS) or Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (FMCN). Membership in bodies such as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is also common for networking and advocacy.