At a time when health systems around the world are suffering from severe staffing shortages, the demand for nurses and healthcare workers in Nigeria is increasing.
Countries on different continents are increasingly turning to Nigerian professionals to play key roles, offering competitive salaries, career development opportunities and benefits that attract skilled workers.
From the UK’s National Health Service to hospitals in Canada, Australia and the United Arab Emirates, there are many avenues for Nigerian professionals to secure well-paying jobs with excellent benefits.
According to Business Day’s Dynamic Health Staff and other sources, the top eight countries with growing demand for Nigerian nurses and others are:
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1. United Kingdom
Britain has long relied on foreign health workers, particularly Nigerian nurses, to fill gaps in the National Health Service (NHS). The UK faces a chronic nursing shortage and Nigerian professionals are highly regarded for their training and work ethic.
Nurses in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £35,000 a year (equivalent to between £23 million and £32 million). Specialist nurses and advanced level nurses earn even more depending on their experience. In addition to a basic salary, NHS nurses benefit from a pension scheme with overtime pay and opportunities for further education and career progression.
2. United States
In the United States, the demand for nurses continues to increase due to an aging population and health care reform. Nigerian nurses’ high qualifications and fluency in English make them top candidates for positions in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics.
Registered nurses in the US earn an annual salary of between $60,000 and $90,000 (approximately £46-70 million), depending on employment status and level of specialization. For more specialized roles, such as anesthetist, salaries can exceed $100,000 (₦78 million). In the United States, we also offer comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and relocation assistance.
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3. Canada
Canada’s health care sector is expanding, and the demand for health care workers is reaching critical levels, particularly in regions such as Ontario and Alberta. The country’s aging population and growing healthcare needs are creating more opportunities for foreigners, especially trained nurses from Nigeria.
Nurses in Canada can expect to earn between CAD 60,000 and CAD 90,000 (about CAD 35 million to CAD 53 million) per year. Those working in high-demand areas or rural areas may receive additional incentives. Canada’s health care system also offers a structured pathway to permanent residence, along with attractive benefits such as a pension plan and paid time off.
4. Australia
Australia is also a country facing a serious shortage of medical personnel. Hospitals and clinics, especially in rural areas, are struggling to staff themselves, creating a need for internationally trained nurses. Nurses in Nigeria are highly sought after due to their English proficiency and ability to adapt to different healthcare systems.
Registered nurses in Australia earn between AUD 65,000 and AUD 85,000 (approximately AUD 32 million to AUD 42 million) annually. For those working in underserved areas, there are additional benefits such as housing benefits and relocation packages. Australia’s healthcare system also offers visa sponsorship and permanent residence options for foreign workers.
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5. Switzerland
Ironically, Switzerland, a Red Cross country, is also a country where the demand for nurses is increasing due to an aging population and increasing healthcare needs. The country’s high standard of living, advanced medical infrastructure and competitive salaries make it an attractive destination for Nigerian healthcare professionals. Switzerland’s multilingual healthcare system (German, French and Italian) offers diverse opportunities for foreign-trained professionals.
Nurses in Switzerland earn an annual salary of CHF 60,000 to CHF 90,000 (approx. £51 million to £77 million). Professional nurses and those with several years of experience can earn higher salaries, especially in urban areas such as Zurich and Geneva. Salaries for healthcare workers in Switzerland are among the highest in the world, reflecting the country’s high cost of living.
In Switzerland, healthcare workers enjoy benefits such as paid holidays, pension plans and comprehensive health insurance. The country also offers a path for foreign nurses to have their qualifications recognized, often with language proficiency in one of the official languages (German, French, or Italian). You will be asked for it.
6. Denmark
Denmark’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world, but it faces challenges from an aging population and a shortage of healthcare workers. The country is currently actively recruiting foreign-trained nurses, including those from Nigeria. Denmark is known for its high standard of living, excellent work-life balance, and comprehensive benefits system, making it a desirable country for healthcare professionals.
Nurses in Denmark earn an annual salary of 350,000 DKK to 450,000 DKK (approximately £38 million to £49 million). Salary varies based on experience, location, and specialty. Denmark offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including paid parental leave, pension contributions and comprehensive medical insurance. There are also opportunities for career development and further education.
Danish employers often offer relocation packages, language training and integration programs to help foreign healthcare workers settle in Denmark.
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7. Ireland
Ireland’s health system is suffering from a severe shortage of human resources, particularly in the field of nursing. The Irish government actively encourages the recruitment of foreign nurses, with Nigerians forming an important part of the workforce. The country offers competitive salaries and career advancement opportunities in a variety of medical settings.
Nurses in Ireland earn an annual salary of between €35,000 and €45,000 (approx. £30m to £39m), with potential for overtime pay if you work nights or weekends. Irish healthcare employers also offer benefits such as pension contributions, paid holidays and continuing education programmes.
8. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE’s healthcare sector is rapidly expanding, especially in cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This growth has led to a surge in demand for foreign medical professionals, including Nigerian nurses, to staff world-class hospitals and clinics. The UAE offers competitive tax-free salaries and a high standard of living for healthcare workers.
Nurses in the UAE typically earn between AED 80,000 and AED 120,000 (approximately AED 17 million to AED 26 million) annually. In addition to tax-free salaries, healthcare workers receive benefits such as housing allowance, annual airfare to their home country, and health insurance, making the UAE a highly desirable destination.
