Major Policy Shift Sees 300% Increase in Annual Allowance for Nurses — Payment Streamlined Through IPPIS
The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a significant increase in the annual uniform allowance for nurses employed in federal hospitals, medical centres and clinics, raising it from ₦20,000 to ₦80,000. The new rate, effective January 1, 2026, represents a 300 % increase and aims to offer better support for nursing professionals across the country.
The adjustment was formalised through a memo issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and signed by Chairman Ekpo Nta. The memo was addressed to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, with copies sent to the ministers of Finance and Budget and National Planning for implementation.
Under the new arrangement, the uniform allowance will be paid through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) rather than from overhead budgets, aligning it with other regular government allowances and ensuring more consistent distribution.
The move follows prolonged advocacy by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), which had described the previous ₦20,000 allowance as grossly inadequate given the rising cost of maintaining professional uniforms and related expenses. The association had also called for broader reforms in nurses’ pay and welfare conditions.
For many nurses serving at federal health facilities, the revised allowance is seen as a welcome improvement, though stakeholders note that continued engagement will be necessary to address other pay, welfare and working condition issues within the healthcare sector.
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