The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives in Federal Health Institutions (NANNM-FHI) has strongly opposed a recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), describing it as unjust and dismissive of the critical role nurses play in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The circular, referenced as No. SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646 and dated June 27, was titled “Review of Allowances for Medical/Dental Officers in the Federal Public Service.” However, it came under fire for excluding nurses from the updated allowance structure.
Following an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, NANNM-FHI expressed deep disappointment that nurses were left out despite forming up to 70% of the country’s healthcare workforce. President of the association, Nurse Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, told reporters the decision was made without any consultation with the body, ignoring its direct impact on thousands of healthcare professionals.
He pointed out that the circular failed to address key allowances that nurses are entitled to, including shift, uniform, specialist, call duty, and retention benefits. According to him, nurses handle long and intense work schedules, yet the current shift allowance remains at a mere 8.5% of salary, far below the 30% approved in a 2009 circular.
Rilwan further stressed the daily need for uniform changes due to the demands of nursing duties and insisted that the uniform allowance must reflect this reality. He described uniforms as essential, not optional, and said nurses should be provided with at least three uniforms weekly.
He also criticised the uneven application of the specialist allowance, which he said discriminates against qualified nurses in specialised fields. Rilwan called for equal treatment across all cadres of healthcare professionals, noting that many trained nurses are leaving the country due to poor welfare and neglect by policymakers.
The association demanded urgent government action to retain nurses, including the reactivation of the Governing Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, which has been inactive for years. It also called for nurse representation on the boards of Federal Health Institutions, given their dominant presence in the workforce.
Rilwan raised concerns about the exclusion of nurse educators—especially those on grade levels 7 and 8—from clinical roles, even though they are actively involved in training students. He pointed out the contradiction in the circular that recommends payment for trainers, while sidelining those already engaged in educational duties.
Further demands include the introduction of internship placements for university-trained nurses to qualify them for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the establishment of a dedicated Department of Nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health. Rilwan suggested that such a department should include directorates for training, statistics, and clinical practice.
While expressing the association’s willingness to engage in dialogue, Rilwan warned that failure to address their demands could result in industrial action.
