How much does a Registered Nurse earn in Nigeria?

Registered Nurses in Nigeria provide essential healthcare services, including patient assessment, administering medications, wound care, health education, and supporting doctors and other health professionals. They work in hospitals, clinics, community health centres, and private practices, ensuring the delivery of safe and effective care.

The average salary for a registered nurse 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 (0-2 years): 80,000 - 120,000
• Mid-level (3-7 years): 150,000 - 220,000
• Senior-level (8+ years): 220,000 - 350,000

• Registered Nursing Certificate (RN): The foundational qualification results in entry-level salaries typically at the lower end of the pay scale.
• Registered Midwife (RM): Nurses with an RM in addition to RN often earn higher salaries, especially in maternal and child health facilities.
• Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc): Degree holders in nursing tend to access enhanced salary packages, managerial roles, or specialized positions.

To become a registered nurse in Nigeria, you must complete the necessary training, register with the regulatory body, and meet ongoing professional standards.

1. Obtain five credits (including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or its equivalent.
2. Apply to and complete a three-year Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) accredited nursing training school or university.
3. Pass the NMCN qualifying examination for nurses.
4. Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to receive your license as a Registered Nurse (RN).
5. Maintain licensure through required continuing professional development (CPD) and regular renewal every three years.

Education for registered nurses in Nigeria typically begins with admission into an accredited school of nursing or university nursing programme. Candidates must have relevant O-Level credits. On successful completion of the nursing programme (either diploma or degree), graduates must pass the NMCN qualifying exam to be eligible for registration and practice.

All practising nurses in Nigeria must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). Popular certifications include Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwife (RM), and various post-basic specializations such as paediatrics, anaesthesia, or critical care. Licensure renewal and participation in continuing professional development are mandatory.

For Nigerian registered nurses, optimizing your LinkedIn profile includes highlighting NMCN registration, relevant certifications, clinical experience with local hospitals (e.g., Lagos University Teaching Hospital, University College Hospital Ibadan), and any specialties or leadership roles. Engaging in professional groups like the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) can further boost networking and job prospects.

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