The Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, (NMCN) Faruk Abubakar, has said that the average monthly income for a nurse in Nigeria is at least N135,000.
Mr Abubakar made these remarks during a discussion on the nurses’ certificate verification controversy on Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s Morning Brief.
Lafiya360 reported how Nurses under the aegis of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) staged a protest at the NMCN’s offices in Abuja and Lagos, respectively to express their displeasure over what they described as an attempt to hinder their freedom to pursue career opportunities.
They urged the council to address concerns such as nurses’ welfare, salary scale, staff shortages, and other rights.
The nursing council, in its revised guidelines stated that applicants seeking verification of certificates from foreign nursing boards and councils must possess two years of post-qualification experience from the date of issuance of the permanent practicing licence.
Remuneration
Speaking on the TV programme, Mr Abubakar clarified that the council is not in charge of nurses’ remuneration; rather, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, along with the nurses, is actively collaborating to enhance nurses’ welfare.
He emphasized that remuneration falls under the purview of the Ministry of Health, and a committee has been formed to address concerns raised by the NANNM, including issues related to nurses’ welfare.
“An average employed nurse earns a minimum of N135,000, with variations based on their workplace – whether national, state, or local government. Some may even receive up to N200,000,” he said.
Mr Abubakar said the FMoH is addressing these concerns through a dedicated committee, working to resolve issues raised by the national association for nurses across the country.
He said it is important to note that the NMCN does not determine nurses’ remuneration; this is decided by the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, which oversees such matters nationwide.
About NMCN
The NMCN is the only legal, administrative, corporate and statutory body charged with performing specific functions on behalf of the Federal Government to ensure the delivery of safe and effective Nursing and Midwifery care to the public through quality education and best practices.
The council is mandated by law to regulate the standards of Nursing and Midwifery education and practice in Nigeria and to review such standards from time to time to meet the changing health needs of the society.