How Underpaying Nurses Is Weakening Nigeria’s Healthcare System
In 2022, a newly qualified nurse started on just ₦21,000. A later offer from a private specialist hospital was ₦23,000 for 12-hour shifts with heavy patient loads, so she turned it down. She eventually found a slightly better role that at least came with respect. Many private facilities still pay nurses wages that barely cover transport while expecting long hours under intense pressure. Staff shortages and rising living costs push many professionals to seek opportunities abroad. When experienced nurses quit, the workload falls on fewer hands. Burnout increases, waiting times rise, and medical errors become more likely. Patients end up paying the price. Nigeria needs fair pay, safe working conditions, protection from abuse, and clear career paths for nurses. Should there be a minimum wage standard for healthcare professionals in private hospitals?
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