The Federal Government has approved an increase in the annual uniform allowance for nurses under its employment.
The allowance has been raised from N20,000 to N80,000 per annum.
The increase represents a 300 per cent increment from the previous rate.
The approval was contained in a memo issued by the National Salaries, Wages and Income Commission and seen by Dockaysworld.
In the memo signed by the NSIWC Chairman, Ekpo Nta, the commission said the new allowance would take effect from January 1, 2026.
The memo was addressed to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate.
Other ministers copied include 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.
It read, *“Please refer to your letter No. C.2920/S.4/T2/33 dated 17th November 2025 in connection with the above-mentioned subject.
“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.”*
The commission added that the allowance would no longer be paid from overhead budgets.
It said the payment would now be streamlined with other regular allowances processed through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System.
The approval follows months of agitation by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives.
In July 2025, the union described the N20,000 yearly uniform allowance as grossly inadequate and insulting.
On July 14, 2025, the nurses issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government.
They warned of a possible nationwide healthcare shutdown if their demands were ignored.
Their demands included an upward review of shift and uniform allowances.
They also asked for a separate salary structure, increased core duty allowance, and mass employment of nurses.
The union further demanded the establishment of a Directorate of Nursing Services at the Federal Ministry of Health.
The President of NANNM-FHI, Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, said the notice was issued without prior consultation with the association.
He noted that the decision affected a large segment of healthcare professionals.
The union also complained about poor working conditions.
It said nurses had worked for years with inadequate tools and equipment, including gloves.
