Nursing Jobs in Lagos: Salaries, Requirements, and Top Employers

Are you looking for nursing jobs in Lagos? Whether you are a fresh graduate from a College of Nursing or an experienced Registered Nurse (RN) weighing your next career move, navigating the healthcare job market in Nigeria’s economic capital can be overwhelming. With rising inflation, policy shifts, and the massive "Japa" migration wave, the demand for nurses in 2025 has never been higher but neither have the challenges.

Lagos is a city of sharp contrasts, and its healthcare sector is no different. On one street, you might find a state-of-the-art facility offering world-class care, and on the next, a struggling clinic facing chronic staff shortages. This guide provides a comprehensive, unvarnished breakdown of the nursing landscape in Lagos today. We will cover the 2025 salary scale for private and public hospitals, essential entry requirements, the top hospitals currently hiring, and how to position yourself for the best opportunities.

The State of Nursing in Lagos (2025 Overview)

To understand the current job market, we must first look at the data. The healthcare sector in Lagos and Nigeria at large is currently experiencing what experts call a "crisis of opportunity." The primary driver of the current job market is migration.

Research and migration data indicate a staggering trend: between 2022 and 2024, over 42,000 nurses migrated out of Nigeria. In 2023 alone, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) reported over 15,000 departures. This "Japa syndrome" has hit Lagos particularly hard, given the high concentration of skilled professionals in the city.

The result is a severe shortage, dropping the nurse-to-population ratio to roughly 1.8 per 1,000 people, which is far below the World Health Organization's recommendation. For job seekers, however, this statistic has a silver lining. Hospitals that previously had hiring freezes are now aggressively recruiting. Vacancies that once took months to fill are now immediate openings, and facilities are finding themselves in a "seller's market" where qualified nurses have more leverage than before. If you are qualified and willing to stay, there is a job waiting for you.

Nursing Salary in Lagos: How Much Do Nurses Actually Earn?

Compensation is easily the most searched topic for aspiring and practicing nurses. "How much will I be paid?" is a fair question, especially with the rising cost of living in Lagos. In 2025, salaries vary significantly based on experience, the sector (Public vs. Private), and your specific role.

1. The Public Sector (Federal and State)

Jobs in public institutions like Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Ebute Metta, and the various Lagos State General Hospitals are highly coveted. They offer job security, pension benefits, and a structured career path.

• Salary Structure: Public sector pay is largely dictated by the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
  
  
• Entry-Level (CONHESS 07/08): A fresh graduate nurse (RN) typically starts with a monthly take-home pay ranging from ₦135,000 to ₦160,000.
  
  
• Mid-Level & Seniors: With progression and promotion, this can rise to ₦200,000 - ₦250,000+.
  
  
• Perks: Public sector nurses often receive more reliable allowances for hazards, shift work, and call duty compared to many private establishments.
  
  

2. The Private Sector

This sector is the "Wild West" of nursing salaries. It is largely unregulated, leading to vast disparities depending on the financial strength of the hospital.

• Small Private Clinics: These are often the lowest payers. Entry-level nurses here can earn as low as ₦50,000 – ₦80,000 monthly. Turnover in these roles is extremely high.
  
  
• Standard Private Hospitals: Established hospitals in areas like Surulere, Ikeja, and Gbagada typically pay between ₦135,000 – ₦200,000 monthly, aiming to match public sector rates to retain staff.
  
  
• Top-Tier Specialist Hospitals: High-end facilities serving the elite in Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki offer the most competitive packages. Salaries here can range from ₦200,000 to ₦350,000+ monthly.
  
  

3. Specialized Roles

General nursing pays the bills, but specialization builds wealth. Nurses with post-basic qualifications in critical areas are in short supply and command higher fees.

Note: Inflation in 2025 has put significant pressure on these figures. While some hospitals have adjusted wages to reflect the economic reality, many nurses continue to advocate for better pay through unions like NANNM.

Requirements: How to Become a Nurse in Lagos

Before you can apply for these roles, you must meet the strict educational and regulatory standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

1. Educational Qualifications

The journey begins with your O'Level results. You must possess five credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. These must be obtained in not more than two sittings.

2. Professional Training Pathways

• School of Nursing (Hospital-Based): This is a 3-year program leading to the Registered Nurse (RN) certification. Top institutions in Lagos include the Lagos State College of Nursing (LASCON) in Igando and the School of Nursing at LUTH.
  
  
• University Degree (BNSc): A 5-year program at a university (e.g., University of Lagos) that awards a Bachelor of Nursing Science. This path is increasingly preferred for those seeking leadership roles or looking to work abroad later, as it simplifies the credential verification process.
  
  

3. Licensure

This is non-negotiable. You must possess a valid, current practicing license from the NMCN. Hospitals in Lagos are strictly monitored, and reputable facilities will not hire unlicensed personnel for RN roles.

Top Employers: Who is Hiring Nurses in Lagos?

If you are ready to apply, you need to know where to look. The job market is segmented, but certain employers are perennial recruiters due to their size and expansion.

Top Private Hospitals:

• Lagoon Hospitals: One of the most respected names in private healthcare, known for quality care and structured career paths.
  
  
• Reddington Multispecialist Hospital: A premium facility that often hires for specialized units like ICU, Cardiac, and Trauma care.
  
  
• Duchess International Hospital: A newer, high-end facility in Ikeja offering competitive packages for experienced staff.
  
  
• St. Nicholas Hospital: A long-standing employer in the Lagos Island axis, famous for its renal transplant unit.
  
  
• Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals: Recently rebranded and expanding, offering opportunities for career growth.
  
  

Public Institutions:

• Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH): The premier federal teaching hospital in the state. While entry is competitive, it remains the gold standard for clinical experience.
  
  
• Lagos State Health Service Commission: This body recruits for all General Hospitals in the state (e.g., Gbagada General, Isolo General, Lagos Island General). They conduct periodic mass recruitments, so keeping an eye on their official portal is crucial.
  
  

Challenges and Opportunities in the Industry

Working in Lagos requires immense grit. It is important to enter the field with your eyes open to the realities on the ground.

The Challenges:

• Burnout & Workload: The "brain drain" means that the staff who remain are often doing the work of two or three people. Double shifts are common, and the nurse-to-patient ratio can be overwhelming in public wards.
  
  
• Infrastructure Deficits: In some public facilities, you may face power outages, lack of running water, or shortages of basic consumables like gloves and syringes. You are often forced to improvise, which is a testament to Nigerian ingenuity but a risk to patient safety.
  
  
• Workplace Safety: Nurses are often the first point of contact for frustrated patient relatives, and instances of verbal or physical aggression are an unfortunate reality.
  
  

The Opportunities:

However, the future holds promise. The Federal Government has recognized the crisis and is taking steps to mitigate it. The target to increase nursing school enrollment to 115,000 by 2025 aims to flood the market with new talent, which should eventually ease the workload.

Furthermore, technology is reshaping the field. Telemedicine and Home Care Nursing are creating new, flexible job roles outside the traditional hospital setting. Agencies are hiring nurses for private home care at rates between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000, and "hybrid" roles for care coordination are emerging, allowing nurses to work partially remotely.

How to Apply for Nursing Jobs Today

Gone are the days when you had to walk from hospital to hospital dropping off physical CVs (though that still works for some smaller clinics). The recruitment landscape has gone digital.

1. Check Major Job Boards: Sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, MyJobMag, and HotNigerianJobs list new openings daily. Set up email alerts for "Registered Nurse Lagos" so you never miss a post.
   
   
2. Leverage Social Media: This is a secret weapon. Follow hashtags like #NursingJobsLagos, #NursesInLagos, and #MedicalJobsNigeria on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. HR managers and Medical Directors often post urgent needs on their personal handles to bypass the bureaucracy of formal job boards.
   
   
3. Tailor Your CV: Generic CVs get ignored. Highlight your clinical skills specifically. Instead of just saying "Patient Care," list skills like "Cannulation," "Triage Management," "Dialysis Administration," or "Neonatal Resuscitation." Mention any specialized equipment you are proficient in using.
   
   

Conclusion

The market for nursing jobs in Lagos in 2025 is competitive, dynamic, and full of openings for the right candidates. While salaries are under pressure from inflation, the sector remains one of the most vital and employable in the country. Specialized training, a willingness to adapt, and strategic job hunting in the top-tier private and public sectors can lead to a rewarding and financially stable career.

Whether you choose to serve in the bustling wards of a General Hospital or the quiet corridors of a private specialist center, your role is critical. The city needs you. Update your CV, get your license in order, and step into the opportunities that 2025 has to offer.