The Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Faruk Abubakar, revealed a staggering trend of Nigerian nurses and midwives seeking better opportunities abroad. Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Abubakar disclosed that over 15,000 healthcare professionals left Nigeria in 2023 alone, contributing to a total of 42,000 departures over the past three years.
The surge in departures was further fueled by a controversial move by the NMCN to introduce stringent requirements for certificate verification from foreign nursing boards, including a demand for two years of post-qualification experience. This move sparked outrage among nurses, leading to protests in Abuja and Lagos offices of the NMCN on February 12. The protesters highlighted concerns about welfare, salary scale, staff shortages, and other rights.
Addressing these concerns, Abubakar clarified that the NMCN is not responsible for determining nurses’ remuneration. Instead, he emphasized the role of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigerian Association of Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in addressing these issues. Abubakar assured that the ministry is actively working to improve working conditions, allowances, and salaries for nurses, with a recent committee formed to address concerns raised by the association.
Despite these efforts, the exodus of nurses continues, with Abubakar noting a yearly increase in departures. He underscored the need for a collaborative effort between the government and healthcare professionals to enhance the welfare of nurses in Nigeria. Abubakar expressed optimism about significant improvements in nurses’ welfare soon, citing ongoing engagements between NANNM and the Ministry of Health.
Controversially, Abubakar’s statements regarding nurses’ remuneration stirred debate. He mentioned that an average nurse receives not less than N135,000, with some receiving up to N200,000, depending on their place of work. These figures, while indicating some level of compensation, have been met with skepticism by some nurses who argue that the cost of living and inflation rates in Nigeria render these amounts inadequate.
The Nursing Council’s stance on certificate verification and the ongoing dialogue with the Ministry of Health highlight the complexities of addressing nurses’ welfare in Nigeria. As the country grapples with a healthcare system strained by staff shortages and a growing exodus of skilled professionals, finding sustainable solutions to retain and attract healthcare workers remains a pressing challenge for the government and healthcare stakeholders alike.
The plight of Nigerian nurses reflects broader challenges within the healthcare sector. While efforts are being made to address these issues, such as improving remuneration and working conditions, more comprehensive strategies are needed to stem the tide of healthcare professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities. The collaboration between the government and healthcare associations is a step in the right direction, but sustained commitment and innovative approaches are essential to safeguard the future of healthcare in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Lawyer News