The Federal Government has approved the payment of a N50,000 annual ward coat allowance to pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists and 17 other categories of allied health professionals working in 71 federal tertiary health institutions across the country.
The Punch reported that the approval, which takes effect from June 1, 2026, was communicated by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission through a circular dated July 15, 2026.
The document was signed by the Director of Teaching Hospitals, Dr Okpikpi Okpako, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the approval followed a request by the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals seeking the introduction of a ward coat allowance for its members.
“I am directed to forward the attached letter, Ref. SWC/S/04/S.218/T/147 dated 21st April, 2026, from the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission on the above subject, and to convey the Coordinating Minister’s directive for the implementation of the Ward Coat Allowance for eligible Health Professionals in Federal Hospitals, Medical Centres and Clinics in Ministries, Departments and Agencies,” the circular stated.
The ministry noted that the approval stemmed from a formal request submitted by the union in July 2024.
“The NSIWC’s approval for the payment of Ward Coat Allowance is sequel to the request made through letter Ref. C.253/15 dated 23rd July, 2024 from the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals,” it said.
Providing details of the new benefit, the circular stated: “The approved allowance is Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000.00) per annum per beneficiary, and it takes effect from 1st June, 2026.”
Those eligible for the allowance include pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, medical social workers, optometrists, physiotherapists, dental therapists, radiographers, dieticians, dental technologists, prosthetic technologists, medical physicists, health information officers, audiologists, nutritionists, medical laboratory technologists, EEG and ECG technologists, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists and speech therapists.
The ministry instructed the management of the affected institutions to begin immediate implementation of the payment through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System.
“Accordingly, all Chief Medical Directors/Medical Directors whose institutions are listed in the attachment list are hereby directed to commence implementation and payment of the Ward Coat Allowance to all eligible Health Professionals in their respective institutions through the IPPIS platform with effect from 1st June, 2026,” the circular read.
It further clarified that the approval currently applies to only 71 federal health institutions.
“Only the 71 institutions listed in the attached list are to commence the implementation of this allowance for the affected staff, while the remaining 12 institutions whose staff statistics were recently submitted have been forwarded to NSIWC for further necessary action,” it stated.
The circular also directed the heads of the affected hospitals to ensure strict adherence to the implementation guidelines.
“Kindly ensure strict compliance in accordance with the NSIWC’s approved list,” it added.
The approval is expected to address one of the longstanding welfare demands of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, which has consistently argued that its members perform frontline clinical duties requiring the use of ward coats and other protective clothing but have not received similar allowances enjoyed by some other healthcare workers.
The union represents pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, radiographers, dieticians, health information officers, medical social workers, clinical psychologists and several other allied health professionals.
Over the years, it has repeatedly engaged the Federal Government on issues relating to remuneration, career advancement and improved welfare packages.
Among its key demands has been the introduction of a ward coat allowance, with the union maintaining that its members routinely face occupational hazards while delivering healthcare services.
The latest approval comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to strengthen conditions of service within the health sector amid the persistent migration of skilled Nigerian health workers to foreign countries.
In recent years, thousands of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists and other healthcare professionals have relocated abroad in search of better pay and improved working conditions, worsening workforce shortages in many public health facilities.
To address the challenge, the government has introduced several initiatives, including periodic salary adjustments, implementation of revised allowances, approval of additional recruitment into federal health institutions and sustained dialogue with professional associations and labour unions aimed at preventing industrial disputes that have previously disrupted healthcare services.
Although the newly approved N50,000 annual ward coat allowance falls short of broader welfare demands by health workers, stakeholders believe it represents official recognition of the vital contributions of allied health professionals, who make up a significant segment of Nigeria’s healthcare workforce.
These professionals play indispensable roles in pharmaceutical services, laboratory diagnosis, rehabilitation, radiography, nutrition, medical records management, clinical psychology and other specialised fields essential to effective patient care and hospital operations.
Implementation will begin in the 71 approved federal tertiary health institutions, while the remaining 12 institutions are expected to commence payment after the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission completes verification of staff statistics submitted by the affected facilities.
