Federal Government Approves N50,000 Allowance for Health Workers

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a N50,000 annual ward coat allowance for pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, and 17 other categories of allied health professionals working in 71 federal tertiary health institutions. The implementation of this allowance will take effect from June 1, 2026.

The approval was communicated through a circular dated July 15, 2026, signed by Dr. Okpikpi Okpako, the Director of Teaching Hospitals, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate. This decision follows a request made by the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals in July 2024.

The beneficiaries of this allowance include various health professionals such as medical social workers, optometrists, physiotherapists, and others. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has directed the management of the affected hospitals to implement this allowance through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System.

Only the 71 specified institutions are authorized to commence this implementation.