How much does a Medicine and Surgery Doctor earn in Nigeria?

Medicine and Surgery Doctors in Nigeria diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases across all age groups. They are responsible for patient consultations, prescribing medication, conducting surgeries, and coordinating care with multidisciplinary teams. Doctors may also educate patients on preventive healthcare and contribute to medical research and public health policies.

The average salary for a medicine and surgery 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, 0-2 years): 280000 - 400000
• Junior Doctor (Medical Officer, 2-5 years): 400000 - 650000
• Mid-Level (Registrar/Senior Registrar, 5-10 years): 700000 - 1100000
• Senior-Level (Consultant, 10+ years): 1200000 - 2000000

• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS or MBChB): Most Medicine and Surgery Doctors in Nigeria start practice after obtaining an MBBS or MBChB from an accredited Nigerian university and successfully completing their one-year internship.
• Postgraduate Residency and Fellowship: Doctors who complete residency training and acquire postgraduate qualifications (such as FWACS, FMCS) command higher salaries and hold specialist consultant positions.

To become a Medicine and Surgery Doctor in Nigeria, you must meet rigorous academic, clinical, and licensing requirements. The pathway involves formal education, training, and professional certification.

1. Complete five to six years of MBBS or MBChB degree from an accredited Nigerian university recognized by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
2. Undertake a one-year mandatory internship (housemanship) at an MDCN-approved teaching hospital.
3. Complete one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or obtain exemption.
4. Pass the MDCN Assessment Examination if trained outside Nigeria.
5. Register and obtain a practicing license from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
6. Pursue residency training for specialization, if desired, through institutions approved by the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) or National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN).

Prospective doctors must obtain five credits including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in WASSCE/NECO. Admission into a university's College of Medicine is highly competitive and requires success in the UTME and post-UTME exams. Accredited universities include the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, Obafemi Awolowo University, and University of Nigeria Nsukka.

All medical doctors in Nigeria must register with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to obtain a license to practice. For specialization, certifications from either the West African College of Surgeons (WACS), West African College of Physicians (WACP), or the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) are essential. Doctors are also members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

Optimize your LinkedIn profile by clearly stating your medical qualifications and areas of expertise. List your MDCN license, professional memberships (such as NMA), and postgraduate qualifications or ongoing residency programs. Share updates on conferences, medical volunteer work, research projects, and highlight soft skills valued in clinical environments.

See how a medicine and surgery doctor's salary in Nigeria compares to other professions. This can help you understand your earning potential and career options.