In 2023, the Registrar of the Nursing Council reports that 15,000 nurses departed Nigeria
Faruk Abubakar, the Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, revealed that in 2023, more than 15,000 nurses and midwives left the country in search of better opportunities. Abubakar shared this information during discussions on the controversy surrounding the nurses' certificate verification on the Tuesday edition of Channels Television’s Morning Brief.
Expressing their dissatisfaction, nurses staged protests at the NMCN’s offices in Abuja and Lagos, highlighting perceived hindrances to their freedom in pursuing career opportunities. They urged the council to address concerns related to nurses’ welfare, salary scale, staff shortages, and other rights.
In response, the NMCN, through its revised guidelines, specified that applicants seeking verification of certificates from foreign nursing boards and councils must have two years of post-qualification experience from the date of issuance of the permanent practicing license.
In the meantime, Abubakar noted that the annual count of nurses departing the country is on the rise.
He stated, "In the last three years, 42,000 nurses have left the country. The figure surpassed 15,000 in the previous year alone, indicating a consistent yearly increase."
In response to inquiries about the council's measures to safeguard and enhance nurses' welfare, the Federal Ministry of Health is actively engaged in enhancing the working conditions, allowances, and salaries of nurses.
The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and the honorable Minister of State (for health) are diligently working to establish a highly conducive working environment. This includes the provision of state-of-the-art equipment and instruments to enable nurses to deliver quality care to Nigerians.
I want to assure you that significant steps have been taken and resources integrated in 2024 to enhance the welfare of the nurses we are discussing. When it comes to the salary matter, it's a broader issue affecting various sectors, and there is considerable progress underway to review salaries, with nurses being included in this policy. It's a widespread concern, and the government is actively addressing it," he affirmed.
He emphasized that the council does not oversee the remuneration of nurses in the country.
"Our mandate is to ensure the regulation of nurses for improved education and practice in service to Nigerians. Those with the specific responsibility for remuneration are diligently working to address welfare concerns.
Furthermore, the NANNM, serving as the umbrella body for nurses and midwives, is actively involved. I am aware of extensive discussions held with the honorable Minister some weeks ago, all focused on addressing welfare matters. The association responsible for this is making significant efforts to bring about a substantial improvement in welfare," he stated.
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