Nurses affiliated with the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Abuja chapter, took to the streets on Monday in opposition to the recently unveiled verification certification directives from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Expressing their discontent, the nurses criticized what they perceive as an infringement on their professional autonomy, asserting that the new guidelines impede their ability to pursue career opportunities freely. They urged the council to prioritize addressing critical issues such as nurses’ welfare, salary structures, staffing shortages, and other fundamental rights.
The protest, observed by our correspondent, unfolded at the NMCN’s headquarters in Abuja. This demonstration followed the issuance of a circular on February 7, 2024, by the NMCN, outlining revised procedures for certificate verification requests for nurses and midwives.
In the circular, signed by Dr. Faruk Abubakar, the Registrar of the council, it stipulates a mandatory fee for verification applications to foreign nursing boards. Additionally, applicants must possess a minimum of two years of post-qualification experience and maintain an active practicing license with no less than six months validity. Furthermore, the council requires letters of good standing from both the applicant’s workplace and training institution.
The council emphasized that verification application processing would take a minimum of six months, with the updated guidelines scheduled to take effect from March 1, 2024.
During the protest, nurses and midwives congregated outside the NMCN office, chanting slogans and brandishing placards bearing messages such as “Address nurses’ unemployment,” “Combat quackery,” “Defend nurses’ rights,” and “#RejectVerificationRules.” These expressions underscored their staunch opposition to the new regulations, citing the additional burdens placed on Nigerian nurses already grappling with numerous challenges.
