Nigerian Nurses Take to the Streets in Protest Against New Certification Guidelines

In a bold display of solidarity and determination, hundreds of nurses from the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) have rallied in the streets of Abuja to voice their opposition to the recently introduced certification verification guidelines by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). This protest follows similar demonstrations by nurses in Lagos State, highlighting the widespread discontent within the nursing community regarding the new regulations.

The nurses, armed with placards bearing messages such as “Nurses are not slaves” and “We no go gree,” converged outside the NMCN headquarters, accusing the council of imposing stringent and unnecessary rules that hinder their career advancement. The newly implemented guidelines, issued on February 7, 2024, require a minimum of two years post-qualification experience, a letter of good standing from both the applicant’s employer and training institution, and a lengthy processing time of at least six months.

Dr. Faruk Abubakar, the Registrar of the NMCN, emphasized the importance of these new rules, stating that they are aimed at ensuring the integrity and credibility of nursing certifications. However, the nurses argue that the requirements are overly burdensome and place undue obstacles on their professional growth.

The protests in Abuja and Lagos have captured the attention of the nation, with nurses demanding immediate action from the government to address their grievances. Thomas Abiodun, coordinator of the Naija Nurses Forum, described the guidelines as a blatant infringement on nurses’ rights and called for their reversal within 48 hours.

The demonstrations, marked by passionate chants and determined voices, underscore the critical role that nurses play in the healthcare system and highlight the urgent need to prioritize their welfare and professional development. As the protests continue to gain momentum, all eyes are on the government and the NMCN to heed the calls of the nursing community and initiate meaningful dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis.

Written by sdbLive