This is a detailed guide on how much do pharmacists earn in Nigeria, read to the end to know how much pharmacists earn in Nigeria.
Pharmacy is a respectable career anywhere in the world and pharmacists are sought after because of the important role they play in the healthcare system.
If you are planning to get a degree in pharmacy and you want to know how much pharmacists earn in Nigeria, read this article on how much do pharmacists earn in Nigeria to gain more insight.
Who Is A Pharmacist
Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the preparation and dispensation of medications needed to treat illnesses and improve the quality of life of patients.
Pharmacists also give advice and instructions on the correct and safe use of medicines to achieve the required results.
However, Pharmacists work in many different work environments including community pharmacies, hospitals, the pharmaceutical industry, prisons, primary care organizations, universities, etc.
However, to call yourself a pharmacist, you must first of all be registered with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.
Pharmacists are an integral part of society, without them patients would not know the right drug to take to cure their illnesses.
Becoming a pharmacist is a good career path, you will not only earn well but be a respectful member of society.
However, if the question ‘how much do pharmacists earn in Nigeria?’ is lingering in your mind, read this article on how much do pharmacists earn in Nigeria to get your question answered.
Also read: How To Register A Pharmacy In Nigeria
Types Of Pharmacists
There are different types of pharmacists in Nigeria, and the type of pharmacist you are will determine where you work and how much you will earn. However, below are the types of pharmacists in Nigeria.
Retail Pharmacist
This type of pharmacist provides general healthcare advice, fills prescriptions, provides vaccinations, and provides prescription and non-prescription medication to the people. However, a retail pharmacist works in drug stores, grocery stores, and big-box stores.
Clinical Pharmacist
Clinical Pharmacists work in hospitals and clinics. They work directly with doctors, other health professionals, and patients to ensure that the medications prescribed to patients are effective.
They advise doctors on the best drugs and therapeutics for patients, and they are professionals in areas like critical care, pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiology, and transplants.
Oncology Pharmacist
An oncology pharmacist is the type of pharmacist that plan, give, monitor, and change chemotherapy for cancer patients.
This type of pharmacist administers chemotherapy drugs, researches treatments, and examines drugs the hospital uses for cancer patients.
You can find Oncology pharmacists in hospitals and other medical facilities.
Nuclear pharmacist
Nuclear pharmacists prepare radioactive materials for procedures like Magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) and computerized tomography (CT) scans.
However, Nuclear Pharmacists work in hospitals and other medical facilities.
Ambulatory care pharmacist
Ambulatory Care Pharmacist works with physicians to treat patients with chronic disease states like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and many others.
Ambulatory Care Pharmacists work in clinics and doctors’ offices.
The Responsibilities Of Pharmacists
Pharmacists have many responsibilities to carry out in the hospital and any other organization they work. However, below are some of the responsibilities of pharmacists.
1. Pharmacists are responsible for the quality of medicines supplied to patients. They ensure that the supply of medicines is within the law, and also suitable for the patient.
2. Pharmacists give advice to patients about medicines, including how to take them, and what reactions may occur. They also give answers to patients’ questions.
3. Pharmacists advise other healthcare workers about safe and effective medication use and a safe and secure supply of medicines.
4. Pharmacists provide services to patients, such as smoking cessation, blood pressure measurement, and cholesterol management.
5. They oversee the production and preparation of medicines and assessments of the quality of medicines before they are released from pharmaceutical manufacturers.
6. They check patients’ histories to ensure their new medications will not interfere with their old ones.
7. They consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals about medications for a specific patient.
8. They Provide essential wellness screenings and manage pharmacies, including pharmacy techs and assistants.
9. Pharmacists give necessary health advice on topics like stress management, nutrition, how to stop smoking, and other lifestyle changes.
Pharmacist Basic skills
Skills that pharmacists should possess to have a successful career include:
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Critical thinking
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Compassion
- Integrity
- Math and counting skills
- Ability to multitask
- Willingness to advocate for patients
- Time management
How to become a pharmacist In Nigeria
To work as a licensed pharmacist, you must, first of all, enroll in a higher institution to study pharmacy.
In Nigeria, the pharmacy undergraduate program last for five years for those who entered the university through Post UTME, and four years for those who entered through direct entry.
After the five years of training, you would do your internship in a teaching hospital or any other health organization where you get to have first-hand experience of being a pharmacist.
Here, you will get to learn from professionals, and when you conclude your internship, you will go on a one-year national service where you would be posted to a hospital.
However, to start practicing as a pharmacist, you must be licensed by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, a body that is responsible for the registration and licensure of all Pharmacists, and Pharmaceutical Premises.
How Much Do Pharmacists Earn In Nigeria
There is no fixed salary amount for all pharmacists, the salary of Pharmacists in Nigeria differs according to the level you are and the place you work.
In Nigeria, the salary scheme of the pharmacist is based on two major standards which are the Consolidated University Academic structure (CONAUSS) for pharmacists in academics and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) which is for pharmacists in hospitals.
However, the average pharmacist in Nigeria earns a basic salary of about ₦120,000 to ₦170,000. The starting salary for a pharmacy working for the federal government is ₦170,000 -₦300,000 which is reviewed after four years with other allowances.
If you still ask the question, how much do pharmacists earn in Nigeria? check below to know.
Salaries of Pharmacists in Private Hospitals
| Entry level (0 – 2 years experience) | ₦70, 000 – ₦160, 000 |
| Mid-Level (2 – 5 years experience) | ₦60, 000 – ₦280, 000 |
| Experienced (5 years experience and above) | ₦250, 000 – ₦450, 000 |
Salaries of Pharmacists in Government Hospitals/Teaching Hospitals
| Entry level (0 – 2 years experience) | ₦170, 000 – ₦220 |
| Mid-Level (2 – 5 years experience) | ₦250, 000 – ₦450, 000 |
| Experienced (5 years and above) | ₦450, 000 – ₦800, 000 |
Salaries of Pharmacists in Government Agencies
Pharmacists in government agencies such as NAFDAC, NDLEA, etc. earn the following.
| Entry level (0 – 2 years) | ₦80, 000 – ₦100, 000 |
| Mid-Level (2 – 5 years) | ₦120, 000 – ₦160, 000 |
| Experienced (5 years experience and above) | ₦230, 000 – ₦280, 000 |
Salaries of Pharmacists in Academics
However, pharmacists working in state or federal universities earn about ₦220,000 and ₦700,000 monthly.
Salaries of Pharmacists in Multinational Companies
The salaries of Pharmacists working in multinational companies are determined by their qualifications, professional certificates, and other relevant certificates.
However, some pharmacists in multinational companies earn between ₦300,000 and ₦800,000 on average.
Self-Employed Pharmacists
We also have self-employed pharmacists. These pharmacists are the ones who own pharmacies and they can earn up to ₦300,000 and ₦1,000,000 annually depending on where their pharmacies are situated and the patronage they have.
However, we also have pharmacists who are employed in pharmacies. These ones are most time fresh graduates who want to have the necessary work experience to apply for a better position. However, these ones are always paid ₦60,000 – ₦70,000.
I hope this article answers your question – How Much Do Pharmacists Earn In Nigeria?