The Federal Government has made a commitment to address the concerns raised by members of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) across the country.
This assurance was given by Salma Anas-Ibrahim, the Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, during a press briefing held in Abuja. Anas-Ibrahim discussed various aspects of healthcare, with a particular focus on maternal and child health.
The protest staged by NANNM, which took place on Monday at the offices of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria in Abuja and Lagos, was a response to what the nurses described as an attempt to impede their freedom to pursue career opportunities. Among their concerns were issues related to welfare, salary scale, staff shortages, and other fundamental rights. The revised guidelines outlined by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) stipulated that applicants seeking verification of foreign nursing certificates must possess a minimum of two years of post-qualification experience from the date of obtaining their permanent practicing license.
Addressing the nurses’ concerns, Anas-Ibrahim emphasized the vital role nurses and midwives play in healthcare, highlighting their unwavering dedication and extensive patient interaction. Recognizing their significant contributions to healthcare development in Nigeria, she assured that the government is committed to improving the working environment and welfare of healthcare workers nationwide. Anas-Ibrahim further emphasized that the administration, led by Tinubu, prioritizes human resources issues and aims to create an enabling environment that fosters collaboration, rather than rivalry, among various healthcare disciplines.
She concluded by stating that the government is actively working to resolve all conflict-related matters and address the concerns of nurses, midwives, and other healthcare professionals. The overarching goal is to motivate and retain qualified individuals within the healthcare sector. As the government takes charge of the situation, it remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring the welfare and professional development of nurses and midwives across the nation.