Best Hospitals in Nigeria That Pay Nurses Well (2025 Ranking)
If you’re a nurse in Nigeria or planning to start your nursing career, one of the biggest questions on your mind is likely: Which hospitals actually pay nurses well? With the rising cost of living and the demanding nature of the profession, it’s important to know where your skills and hard work will be properly rewarded.
This article highlights the Best Hospitals in Nigeria That Pay Nurses Well (2025 Ranking), based on current salary structures, allowances, and benefits.
I remember when my close friend, a registered nurse, had to choose between two job offers: one from a popular public hospital with prestige but low pay, and another from a private hospital with better salary and incentives. Her decision to choose the private hospital completely transformed her finances, giving her enough to not only cover living expenses but also save for further education. Stories like hers show why salary ranking matters for Nigerian nurses today.
In this guide, you’ll discover hospitals—both public and private—that stand out in 2025 for offering competitive pay, supportive work environments, and opportunities for professional growth.
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Nurse Salary Overview in Nigeria (2025)
Nursing is one of the most respected professions in Nigeria, but salaries vary widely depending on the type of hospital, location, and years of experience. As of 2025, nurse salaries in Nigeria are divided between public (government) hospitals and private hospitals, with some international and specialist hospitals paying significantly higher.
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Public (Government) Hospitals: Nurses in federal or state-owned hospitals typically earn between ₦80,000 – ₦180,000 per month, depending on rank, years of service, and allowances. While government jobs are often seen as more stable, the pay can be modest compared to private facilities.
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Private Hospitals: Salaries in private hospitals vary widely. Smaller clinics may pay as low as ₦50,000 – ₦90,000 monthly, while top-tier private hospitals in major cities like Lagos and Abuja pay between ₦200,000 – ₦400,000 per month, with additional allowances.
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International & Specialist Hospitals: These hospitals, often located in urban centers, pay nurses the highest wages in Nigeria. Salaries can reach ₦500,000 or more monthly, particularly for specialized nurses (ICU, theater, oncology, etc.).
Understanding this pay scale helps nurses know what to expect—and why choosing the right hospital makes all the difference.
Best Hospitals in Nigeria That Pay Nurses Well (2025 Ranking)
Based on salary reports, employee feedback, and industry reputation, here are some of the leading hospitals in Nigeria known for offering competitive pay and good working conditions for nurses:
1. Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos
One of the largest federal teaching hospitals in Nigeria. Nurses here enjoy stable pay, federal allowances, and career growth opportunities. Senior nurses and specialists earn significantly higher than entry-level staff.
2. University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan
UCH is one of the oldest and most respected teaching hospitals in Nigeria. Nurses here are paid according to federal health worker salary scales, with additional benefits for overtime and night shifts.
3. National Hospital, Abuja
Located in the nation’s capital, this hospital pays nurses well compared to most government hospitals. Nurses benefit from exposure to modern healthcare facilities and a variety of specialties.
4. Lagoon Hospitals, Lagos
As one of Nigeria’s top private hospitals, Lagoon is known for offering better-than-average salaries and benefits. Nurses in specialized units such as ICU, emergency, and surgery earn competitive wages.
5. St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos
A leading private healthcare provider with branches in Lagos. St. Nicholas pays nurses higher than most private hospitals, especially for those in critical care and dialysis units.
6. Reddington Hospital, Lagos
This high-end private hospital attracts both local and international patients. Nurses here earn above the national average, and the hospital offers continuous training to its staff.
7. Eko Hospital, Lagos
With multiple branches in Lagos, Eko Hospital is one of the private institutions recognized for fair compensation, especially for mid-level and senior nurses.
8. Federal Medical Center (FMC), Abuja & Owerri
FMC facilities across Nigeria follow government pay structures but often provide allowances and benefits that make them attractive to nurses.
9. First Consultant Hospital, Lagos
A private hospital well-regarded for rewarding its nurses competitively while maintaining high clinical standards.
10. International Hospitals (e.g., Cedarcrest Hospital Abuja, Nisa Premier Hospital Abuja, and Neuropsychiatric Hospital Aro, Abeokuta)
These hospitals cater to specialized care and international patients, often paying nurses well above average salaries, especially those with advanced certifications.
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Government vs. Private Hospitals: Which Pay Nurses Better in 2025?
When it comes to salaries, Nigerian nurses often debate whether to work in a government hospital or a private institution. Each has its own advantages and trade-offs:
Government Hospitals
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Pay Scale: Salaries are structured under the Consolidated Health Salary Scale (CONHESS). Entry-level nurses earn less than their private counterparts, usually between ₦80,000 – ₦150,000 per month, but senior nurses and specialists can earn higher with promotions.
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Benefits: Government hospitals provide job stability, pensions, and allowances (such as hazard pay, shift allowances, and rural posting benefits).
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Career Growth: Nurses gain experience across a wide range of specialties and have opportunities for government-sponsored training.
Private Hospitals
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Pay Scale: Salaries vary widely. Smaller clinics may pay poorly, but top-tier hospitals like Lagoon, Reddington, and St. Nicholas pay between ₦200,000 – ₦500,000 monthly, sometimes more for specialists.
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Benefits: Some private hospitals provide health insurance, bonuses, and modern work environments, though not all offer pensions.
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Career Growth: Nurses benefit from exposure to advanced technology and international standards of care, which can strengthen their CVs for future opportunities.
Verdict:
If financial reward is the main priority, private hospitals generally pay better than government hospitals, especially at the high end. However, for long-term job security and guaranteed pensions, government hospitals still hold strong appeal. Many Nigerian nurses choose to start in private hospitals for the higher pay and later transition into government hospitals for stability.
Factors That Influence Nurse Salaries in Nigeria
Not all nurses in Nigeria earn the same salary, even when working in the same hospital.
Several factors determine how much a nurse takes home each month:
1. Location of the Hospital
Nurses working in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt generally earn more than those in rural areas. Urban hospitals face higher living costs and greater demand, which drives up pay.
2. Type of Hospital
Federal teaching hospitals, specialist centers, and top private hospitals typically offer higher salaries compared to small private clinics or state-owned facilities with limited budgets.
3. Years of Experience
Entry-level nurses earn less, but salaries increase with years of service. Senior nurses, matrons, and specialists often earn two to three times more than junior nurses.
4. Area of Specialization
Nurses with expertise in high-demand areas like intensive care, operating theater, pediatrics, oncology, or psychiatry often command higher salaries. Some hospitals also pay more for emergency and night-shift duties.
5. Certifications and Education
Advanced degrees (BSN, MSc, or specialized training) and certifications in fields like critical care, midwifery, or public health significantly boost earning potential.
6. Workload and Shift Schedules
Hospitals offering 24/7 care often pay allowances for night shifts, weekends, and holiday duties. The more flexible a nurse is with shifts, the higher the potential pay.
7. International Standards of Care
Hospitals that cater to international patients or follow global healthcare protocols often pay more to attract and retain skilled nurses.
Understanding these factors helps nurses make informed career decisions and strategically position themselves for better-paying opportunities.
Practical Tips for Nigerian Nurses to Increase Their Earning Potential (2025)
Earning a good salary as a nurse in Nigeria is possible, but it often requires strategy, continuous learning, and positioning yourself for better opportunities.
Here are actionable steps to boost your income:
1. Pursue Specialized Training
Enroll in short courses or certifications in areas like ICU nursing, anesthetic nursing, dialysis, oncology, or mental health care. Hospitals pay more for nurses with rare or in-demand skills.
2. Aim for Teaching or Specialist Hospitals
Teaching hospitals and federal medical centers often provide better pay scales, research opportunities, and allowances compared to small private clinics.
3. Consider Relocation Within Nigeria
Nurses in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt usually earn higher salaries than those in smaller towns. If possible, apply to hospitals in major cities where the pay is more competitive.
4. Combine Nursing With Remote Work
Some nurses boost their income by taking remote nursing jobs (telehealth, medical coding, patient education) with international employers, allowing them to earn in dollars while still working locally.
5. Build Experience and Negotiate
Don’t settle for the first offer you receive. With a strong CV, years of clinical experience, and additional skills, you have the leverage to negotiate better pay.
6. Further Your Education
A Bachelor of Nursing Science (BSN) or Master’s degree opens the door to senior roles, administrative positions, and academic opportunities, all of which come with higher pay.
7. Network and Stay Updated
Joining professional associations like the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) can help you discover better job offers and salary insights.
By applying these strategies, Nigerian nurses can move beyond average wages and secure positions in hospitals that truly value and reward their expertise.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Hospital for Financial Growth
The Best Hospitals in Nigeria That Pay Nurses Well (2025 Ranking) show that while nursing is a demanding profession, it can also be financially rewarding if you work in the right place.
From federal teaching hospitals to top private institutions in Lagos and Abuja, the opportunities are there for nurses who are willing to pursue specialized skills, gain experience, and position themselves for better roles.
Your salary as a nurse doesn’t have to remain stagnant. By understanding the factors that influence pay, comparing government and private options, and strategically choosing hospitals that value nurses, you can significantly increase your earning potential.
If you’re just starting out, aim for experience in reputable hospitals and invest in continuous training. For experienced nurses, don’t be afraid to negotiate or seek opportunities in higher-paying hospitals.
Nursing in Nigeria may come with its challenges, but with the right decisions, it can also open doors to financial stability, career growth, and a more fulfilling professional journey.
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Resources for Nigerian Nurses
If you’d like to learn more about salaries, career opportunities, and professional development as a nurse in Nigeria, here are some helpful resources:
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National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) – www.nannm.org.ng
The official body for Nigerian nurses. Provides updates on salary structures, policies, and professional advocacy. -
Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) – www.nmcn.gov.ng
Regulatory authority for nursing practice in Nigeria. Essential for licensing, continuing education, and official guidelines. -
Job Sites for Nurses in Nigeria
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Salary Insight Platforms
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International Opportunities
These resources can help you stay informed, compare salary offers, and prepare for both local and international nursing opportunities.
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