Federal Government Approves 300% Uniform Allowance Increase for Nigerian Nurses
The Federal Government of Nigeria has granted a significant boost to the welfare of nurses across the country by approving a substantial increase in their annual uniform allowance. This decision marks a pivotal moment in addressing long-standing grievances within the healthcare sector.
Details of the Allowance Enhancement
According to official reports, the National Salaries, Wages and Income Commission has directed that the uniform allowance for nurses be raised from N20,000 to N80,000 per annum. This represents a fourfold increase or a 300% enhancement from the previous rate. The new allowance is scheduled to take effect from January 2026, as confirmed through an official memo obtained on Thursday, February 5.
The memo, signed by the Chairman of the commission, Ekpo Nta, was formally conveyed to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate. Copies were also distributed to other key government officials including the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu; and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako.
Payment Mechanism and Implementation
A crucial aspect of this approval is the change in the payment methodology. The directive specifies that the allowance will now be processed through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), rather than being funded from overhead budgets. This shift is intended to align the uniform allowance with other standard entitlements administered through the IPPIS platform, ensuring more streamlined and consistent disbursement.
The official communication stated: "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 1st January 2026."
Background and Union Advocacy
This landmark decision follows months of sustained pressure and agitation from nursing professionals and their representative bodies. The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) had been vocal in criticizing the previous N20,000 annual allowance, describing it as "grossly insufficient" and "insulting" for healthcare professionals required to maintain strict dress standards and professional appearance.
In July 2025, the association escalated its demands, issuing a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government and warning of potential service disruptions if their concerns were not addressed. Union leaders highlighted that the initial notice of the allowance had been issued without proper consultation with the nursing union, despite its direct impact on nurses nationwide.
Broader Demands and Unresolved Issues
While the uniform allowance increase addresses a central grievance, nursing representatives emphasize that deeper structural issues within the healthcare sector remain unresolved. Beyond uniform allowances, nurses have consistently advocated for:
- A separate and enhanced salary structure specifically for nursing professionals
- Higher shift and core duty allowances to reflect their demanding work schedules
- Mass recruitment of nurses to address staffing shortages
- Creation of a Directorate of Nursing Services within the Federal Ministry of Health
- Improved provision of adequate tools and protective equipment
Union leaders have maintained that while the allowance increase is a positive step, comprehensive reforms are still needed to address the systemic challenges facing nursing professionals in Nigeria.
Context and Significance
This development occurs against the backdrop of broader healthcare challenges in Nigeria, including recent reports of multiple infectious disease outbreaks across all six geopolitical zones. The allowance enhancement represents a recognition of the critical role nurses play in the national healthcare system and an acknowledgment of their professional demands.
The approval demonstrates the government's responsiveness to organized labor advocacy while highlighting the ongoing need for comprehensive healthcare sector reforms. As implementation approaches in 2026, stakeholders will be monitoring how this policy change translates into tangible benefits for nursing professionals across federal healthcare institutions.
