Nurses Protest: Discontent Over New Certification Guidelines Erupts In Abuja

Nurses Protest: Discontent Over New Certification Guidelines Erupts In Abuja

In a show of defiance, nurses affiliated with the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Abuja chapter, staged a protest today against the latest certification verification guidelines introduced by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)….READ ALSO Nurses Prepare For Confrontation As Government Delays Procedures

The demonstration unfolded at the NMCN’s headquarters in Abuja, where nurses voiced their frustrations regarding regulations they deem detrimental to their professional advancement and job opportunities.

Tensions arose following the release of a circular by the NMCN on February 7, 2024, outlining revised verification guidelines for nurses and midwives. The nursing community perceives these guidelines as excessively restrictive and potentially obstructive to their career paths.

Protesters called upon the NMCN to reconsider the guidelines and prioritize addressing pressing issues affecting nurses, including welfare, salaries, staffing shortages, and other essential rights crucial to their working environment and job satisfaction.

The controversy surrounding the verification process was further fueled by the deactivation of the verification portal on the NMCN’s website in December 2023, as reported by The PUNCH. The subsequent revision of guidelines has only heightened tensions among nursing professionals, prompting demands for greater transparency and support from the regulatory body.

Outlined in the circular signed by Dr. Faruk Abubakar, the Registrar of the council, are stipulations requiring applicants to pay non-refundable fees for verification to foreign nursing boards, along with stringent criteria regarding post-qualification experience, licensing, and verification processing times.

Amid chants and placard-bearing, the protesting nurses conveyed messages urging action on issues such as unemployment, quackery, and overall welfare improvements within the nursing profession.

As the standoff continues, nurses remain steadfast in their demands for fair and equitable treatment, emphasizing the importance of protecting healthcare workers and preserving the integrity of nursing practices in Nigeria.