Chijioke Iremeka
Nigerian nurses and midwives have called on the Federal Government to review their hazard allowance and urgently address the issues of welfare confronting the nursing profession.
They emphasised that, despite the essential nature of their work, their current hazard allowances do not accurately reflect the true extent of these risks.
The professionals argued that an enhanced hazard allowance would not only address the risk nurses face in doing their work but would also provide financial support that could help alleviate some of the challenges associated with their jobs.
Recall that the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, had called on the Federal Government to improve investment in nurses and review hazard allowances for better service delivery.
Michael Nnachi
The President of the association, Micheal Nnachi, explained that nurses in Nigeria were underpaid and undervalued despite the risks they face in healthcare delivery where nurses often mix with people carrying infectious diseases.
The Federal Government in December 2021 increased the hazard allowances applicable to health workers in its healthcare facilities across the country. The increment was contained in a circular with reference SWC/S/04/S.218/11/406, dated December 22, 2021, from the Chairman of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.
The hazard allowance was reviewed to a flat rate that ranges from N5,000 to between N15,000 and N34,000 for health workers on the CONHESS salary structure, while doctors on CONMESS had theirs reviewed from N5,000 to between N32,000 and N40,000.
PUNCH Healthwise reports that by the new policy, non-clinical and clinical nurses and midwives on GL 01 to 05 are to earn N15,000 and N16,000 respectively as hazard allowance, those on GL 06 to 12 are to earn N30,000 and N32,000 respectively; those on GL 13 to 15 are to earn N32,000 to 34,000 respectively.
Addressing this, the professionals who spoke with PUNCH Healthwise in different interviews said that hazard allowances could have positive effects on patient care.
They maintained that nurses who feel valued and adequately compensated are likely to experience lower levels of stress and burnout, leading to improved focus and quality in patient care.
The President of NANNM said there was a need for increased hazard allowances to better reflect the financial risks faced by nurses.
Nnachi highlighted that the current allowances are inadequate and fail to match the real-life challenges nurses encounter daily.
He emphasised that nurses in Nigeria work in environments fraught with risks, including the potential for contracting infectious diseases, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and the physical demands of patient care.
Nnachi also pointed out that the critical nature of their work sometimes places nurses in dangerous situations, saying that some have been kidnapped or killed, while others have succumbed to infections and diseases contracted while providing care, particularly in vulnerable areas where they are needed most.
He stated, “Nurses are not safe in their workplaces. They face significant violence, kidnapping, and attacks by unknown individuals. Unfortunately, we have seen numerous instances where nurses have lost their lives due to these violent incidents.
“This is not a new problem; nurses have long been endangered, particularly during disease outbreaks. Many nurses lost their lives during the COVID-19, Ebola, and Lassa fever outbreaks, among others.
“Recently, we have witnessed tragic loss of lives, often among those who are the primary breadwinners for their families. Such losses bring immense psychological trauma to the affected families.
“In response, the government should enhance the hazard allowances for nurses, though it’s important to acknowledge that no amount of money can truly compensate for a life lost. I am aware that even the existing allowances are not consistently paid.
“Moreover, many allowances that are rightfully due to nurses are being withheld. We must address these issues based on the nature of their work. We will take appropriate action once we have reviewed the submissions and reports.”
Corroborating his statement, Chief Nursing Officer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Joy Mbonu, said that improved hazard allowance is particularly important in a healthcare system that is already under strain due to resource constraints and increasing demand for services.
Obonu said that the Nigerian government and healthcare institutions need to take decisive action to address these concerns.
She stated, “Enhancing hazard allowances for nurses should be part of a broader strategy to improve working conditions, invest in professional development, and ensure that the healthcare workforce is well-supported.
“This involves not only increasing financial compensation but also implementing comprehensive safety protocols and providing access to essential protective equipment.
“Addressing the call for improved hazard allowances will enable Nigeria to better support its nursing workforce, enhance the quality of healthcare services, and ensure that nurses are recognized and rewarded for their critical contributions to public health.”
Mbonu noted that this investment in the nursing profession is crucial for building a resilient and effective healthcare system that can meet the needs of the population both now and in the future.
She noted that the push for improved hazard allowances reflects a broader need to address the occupational risks faced by nurses.
“By enhancing these allowances, the healthcare sector can better support its workforce, improve patient care, and acknowledge the indispensable role nurses play in the healthcare system,” she added.
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