Neurosurgeon Salary in Nigeria in 2025: Full Details with Complete Breakdown

Introduction

Neurosurgery is one of the most specialized and demanding fields in medicine, focusing on the surgical treatment of disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. In Nigeria, neurosurgeons are among the highest-paid medical professionals due to the complexity of their work, extensive training, and the scarcity of qualified practitioners. With fewer than 100 neurosurgeons serving a population of over 200 million, the demand for their services far exceeds supply, contributing to their lucrative earnings. This article provides a detailed breakdown of neurosurgeons’ salaries in Nigeria in 2025, including base pay, allowances, benefits, and factors influencing their income.

Neurosurgeon Roles and Training

Neurosurgeons in Nigeria are responsible for diagnosing and surgically treating neurological conditions, such as brain tumors, spinal cord injuries, and vascular disorders. Their work requires precision, expertise, and the ability to handle high-stakes, life-saving procedures. Becoming a neurosurgeon in Nigeria is a rigorous process, requiring:

6 years of medical school to earn an MBBS degree.
1 year of housemanship in a recognized hospital.
1 year of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
6–7 years of residency training in neurosurgery, accredited by the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) or the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN).
Optional fellowships for subspecializations like pediatric neurosurgery or neuro-oncology.

This 14–15-year training period, coupled with the limited number of accredited training institutions (e.g., University College Hospital, Ibadan; Lagos University Teaching Hospital), contributes to the scarcity of neurosurgeons and their high earning potential.

Salary Structure for Neurosurgeons in Nigeria

Neurosurgeons’ salaries in Nigeria are governed by the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which applies to medical professionals in public hospitals. However, many neurosurgeons supplement their income through private practice, which significantly boosts their earnings. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and sector (public vs. private). Below is an estimated salary breakdown for neurosurgeons in 2025, reflecting the federal minimum wage adjustment to ₦70,000 in 2024 and industry trends.

Level	Grade Level (CONMESS)	Monthly Salary (₦)	Annual Salary (₦)
Entry-Level Neurosurgeon	CONMESS 3–4	600,000 – 900,000	7,200,000 – 10,800,000
Mid-Level Neurosurgeon	CONMESS 5–6	1,000,000 – 1,500,000	12,000,000 – 18,000,000
Senior Neurosurgeon/Consultant	CONMESS 7–8	1,500,000 – 2,500,000	18,000,000 – 30,000,000
Chief Consultant	CONMESS 9+	2,500,000 – 4,000,000	30,000,000 – 48,000,000

Notes:

Entry-Level Neurosurgeons (1–4 years post-residency) typically work in public hospitals or teaching institutions, earning ₦600,000–₦900,000 monthly.
Mid-Level Neurosurgeons (5–10 years of experience) earn ₦1,000,000–₦1,500,000 monthly, often combining public sector work with private practice.
Senior Neurosurgeons/Consultants (10+ years) command ₦1,500,000–₦2,500,000 monthly in the public sector, with private practice potentially adding ₦3,000,000–₦6,000,000 monthly.
Chief Consultants, often with leadership roles or renowned expertise, may earn up to ₦4,000,000 monthly in public hospitals, with private practice pushing total earnings higher.
These figures are estimates based on sources like PayScale, InquireSalary, and Kashgain, adjusted for 2025 economic conditions.

Allowances and Benefits

Neurosurgeons in Nigeria receive various allowances under the CONMESS scheme, which significantly enhance their total compensation. Common allowances include:

Call Duty Allowance:
- Paid for being on call during non-regular hours, especially for emergencies like trauma or stroke surgeries.
- Estimated Range: ₦50,000–₦200,000 monthly, depending on frequency and hospital.
Hazard Allowance:
- Compensates for the high-risk nature of neurosurgery, including exposure to complex cases and long hours.
- Estimated Range: ₦30,000–₦100,000 monthly.
Housing Allowance:
- Covers accommodation costs, particularly in urban centers like Lagos or Abuja.
- Estimated Range: 20–40% of basic salary (e.g., ₦120,000–₦400,000 for mid-level neurosurgeons).
Transport Allowance:
- Supports commuting expenses.
- Estimated Range: ₦20,000–₦80,000 monthly.
Teaching Allowance (for those in academic institutions):
- Paid to neurosurgeons training medical students or residents.
- Estimated Range: ₦50,000–₦150,000 monthly.
Medical Allowance:
- Provides access to healthcare through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for employees and families.
Pension and Gratuity:
- Contributions to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) ensure retirement benefits.
- Gratuity is paid upon retirement, based on years of service.
Bonuses and Incentives:
- Performance-based bonuses or incentives for complex surgeries or research contributions.
- Estimated Range: ₦100,000–₦500,000 annually, varying by institution.

Total Take-Home Pay:
With allowances, total monthly compensation can be 1.5–2 times the basic salary. For example:

A mid-level neurosurgeon with a base salary of ₦1,200,000 may take home ₦1,800,000–₦2,400,000 monthly.
A senior consultant earning ₦2,000,000 monthly in the public sector, plus ₦3,000,000 from private practice, could take home ₦5,000,000–₦6,000,000 monthly.

Private Practice: A Major Income Booster

Many neurosurgeons in Nigeria significantly increase their earnings through private practice, which is not taxed under the same structure as public sector salaries. Senior neurosurgeons can earn ₦3,000,000–₦6,000,000 monthly from private practice alone, with annual earnings reaching ₦36,000,000–₦72,000,000. Private practice includes:

Consultations and surgeries at private hospitals.
Medical tourism, where patients from other regions seek specialized care.
Expert opinions for legal or corporate cases.
This additional income makes neurosurgery one of the most lucrative medical specialties in Nigeria.

Factors Influencing Neurosurgeon Salaries

Several factors impact neurosurgeons’ earnings in Nigeria:

Experience:
- Entry-level neurosurgeons (1–4 years) earn ₦7,200,000–₦10,800,000 annually, while those with 10+ years can earn ₦18,000,000–₦30,000,000 or more.
- Experience increases salary by approximately 32–36% after 3–5 years.
Location:
- Neurosurgeons in urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt earn more due to higher demand and cost of living. For example, a Lagos-based neurosurgeon may earn 20–30% more than one in a rural area.
Sector (Public vs. Private):
- Public sector salaries are standardized but lower, ranging from ₦8,000,000–₦12,000,000 annually for mid-level neurosurgeons.
- Private sector neurosurgeons or those with private practices earn significantly more, up to ₦25,000,000 annually or higher.
Specialization:
- Subspecialties like pediatric neurosurgery or neuro-oncology command higher fees due to their complexity and demand.
Reputation and Network:
- Renowned neurosurgeons with established reputations attract high-paying clients, especially in private practice.
Economic and Policy Factors:
- The 2024 minimum wage increase to ₦70,000 and adjustments to CONMESS scales have slightly raised base salaries.
- Inflation and currency depreciation may reduce real income, pushing neurosurgeons toward private practice.

Comparison with Other Medical Specialties

Neurosurgeons are among the highest-paid medical professionals in Nigeria, surpassing general practitioners and other specialists. For comparison:

General Medical Doctors: Earn ₦230,000–₦450,000 monthly in the public sector.
Consultants (Other Specialties): Earn ₦450,000–₦600,000 monthly in public hospitals.
Neurosurgeons: Earn ₦600,000–₦4,000,000 monthly, with private practice significantly boosting income.

The scarcity of neurosurgeons (fewer than 100 in Nigeria) and the high demand for their services contribute to their premium earnings.

Career Prospects and Salary Growth

Neurosurgery offers excellent career prospects in Nigeria due to the high demand and limited supply of professionals. Key points include:

Promotions: Based on years of service, performance, and passing professional exams. Consultants can progress to chief consultant roles within 10–15 years.
Private Practice: Offers exponential income growth, especially for senior neurosurgeons.
Academic Roles: Teaching at medical schools or conducting research adds income through allowances and grants.
International Opportunities: Some neurosurgeons consult or work abroad, earning in foreign currencies.
Job Stability: Public sector roles offer pension benefits and long-term security.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite high earnings, neurosurgeons face challenges:

Training Costs: Becoming a neurosurgeon costs millions of naira, with residency training alone requiring significant investment.
Limited Facilities: Many hospitals lack advanced equipment, limiting practice scope and pushing neurosurgeons to urban centers or private facilities.
Work Pressure: Long hours, emergency calls, and high-stakes surgeries can lead to burnout.
Economic Factors: Inflation and currency fluctuations reduce purchasing power, especially for public sector salaries.

How to Become a Neurosurgeon in Nigeria

To pursue a career as a neurosurgeon:

Complete Medical School: Earn an MBBS degree (6 years).
Housemanship and NYSC: Complete 1 year each.
Pass Primaries Exam: Administered by WACS or NPMCN.
Residency Training: Enroll in a 6–7-year neurosurgery residency at accredited institutions like University College Hospital (Ibadan), Lagos University Teaching Hospital, or Memfys Hospital (Enugu).
Certifications: Obtain fellowship status from WACS or NPMCN.
Continuous Learning: Pursue subspecialty fellowships or certifications for career advancement.

Conclusion

Neurosurgeons in Nigeria are among the highest-paid professionals, with salaries ranging from ₦7,200,000 to ₦48,000,000 annually in the public sector, and potentially exceeding ₦72,000,000 with private practice. Allowances such as call duty, hazard, and housing significantly boost total compensation. Factors like experience, location, and sector play a critical role in determining earnings. Despite the challenges of long training periods and limited facilities, neurosurgery remains a highly rewarding career due to its financial benefits, job stability, and societal impact.

For the most accurate and up-to-date salary information, consult the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) or the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). Aspiring neurosurgeons should also monitor recruitment opportunities at accredited teaching hospitals and private institutions.

Disclaimer: Salary figures are estimates based on available data and may vary depending on individual circumstances, hospital policies, and economic conditions. For precise details, contact relevant authorities or institutions.

Sources:

PayScale: Neurosurgeon Salary in Nigeria, 2025.
InquireSalary: Neurosurgeon Salary in Nigerian Naira, 2025.
Kashgain: Neurosurgeon Salary in Nigeria, 2024.
Nigerian Infopedia: Neurosurgeon Salary in Nigeria, 2023.
Golden News: Highest Paid Medical Specialty in Nigeria, 2021.