Nigeria Nurses’ Association Stands Firm Against New Guidelines

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has pledged to address the grievances raised by its members concerning the revised guidelines set out by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

Amid widespread dissatisfaction, nurses affiliated with NANNM took to the streets in Abuja and Lagos to protest the perceived encroachment on their professional freedom and opportunities. They called for attention to matters such as their welfare, salary scale, staff shortages, and other essential rights.

The NMCN’s revised certificate verification guidelines stipulate that applicants seeking verification of certificates from foreign nursing boards must have acquired two years of post-qualification experience from the date of receiving their permanent practicing license.

NANNM, the overarching body representing professional nurses and midwives in Nigeria, issued a circular acknowledging the complaints of its members regarding the updated guidelines. Signed by Thomas Ahmed Shettima, the General Secretary of NANNM, the circular reassured the state councils, specialty groups, and members that the association is actively pursuing resolution with the relevant government agencies.

The circular stated, “The National leadership of NANNM had engaged the Registrar/CEO of the NMCN on a series of meetings on February 12th, 2024, and is in consultation with relevant Government agencies on the subject matter.” It continued by emphasizing NANNM’s unwavering commitment to promptly addressing the concerns of its members, particularly given the recent dissolution of the Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Council by the Federal Government.

It further expressed optimism that the government, along with concerned agencies, would address and resolve the nurses’ issues and concerns before the implementation of the revised guidelines on March 1, 2024.

In closing, the circular stressed the association’s dedication to acting in the best interests of its members and urged nurses to maintain a state of unwavering vigilance while awaiting a resolution.