The quality of nursing care is inseparable from the conditions under which nurses are expected to work. In Nigeria, nurses provide continuous services in hospitals, maternity units, health centres and communities, frequently under conditions characterized by shortages of personnel, inadequate equipment, heavy workload, irregular hours, limited accommodation, restricted opportunities for advancement and dissatisfaction with remuneration. These conditions affect not only the welfare of nurses but also morale, retention, professional development and the safety of patients. This paper examines the major occupational and welfare concerns confronting Nigerian nurses and argues that the welfare of health personnel should be regarded as an essential component of health-service planning rather than merely an employment matter. Particular attention is given to staffing, workload, shift duty, remuneration, housing, occupational hazards, career progression, rural service, professional recognition and the responsibilities of nursing leadership. The paper further emphasizes that advocacy for improved conditions must be accompanied by continued professional discipline and commitment to patients. Recommendations are offered to government, health institutions, professional organizations and nursing leaders.