The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives has requested its members to withdraw their lawsuit against the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria regarding the new verification guidelines.
The NMCN had stated that individuals applying for certificate verification from foreign nursing boards and councils must have two years of post-qualification experience.
The council also mentioned that applicants need to pay a non-refundable fee per application for verification to foreign nursing boards as indicated on its portal.
However, some dissatisfied nurses took the Registrar, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Faruk Abubakar; the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare; the Federal Ministry of Health; and the Attorney General of the Federation to the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja.
The complainants in the case labeled: NICN/ABJ/ 76/2024, are Desmond Aigbe; Kelvin Ossai; Catherine Olatunji-Kuyoro; Tamunoibi Berry; Osemwengie Osagie; Abiola Olaniyan; Idowu Olabode, and Olumide Olurankinse.
They are asking the court to prevent the defendants or their representatives from implementing the NMCN circular until the case is resolved.
The nurses also requested the court to halt the start of the new guidelines.
Speaking at an event to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Midwives and Nurses Week, the NANNM President, Michael Nnachi stated that the conference will address crucial issues affecting members and the NMCN.
Nnachi stated, “We will collectively use this opportunity to discuss crucial issues that affect NANNM members, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, our association, and other inherent challenges (Verification exercise, NANNM membership management system, strategic plan, etc.) to come up with lasting solutions.
“I call on members of NANNM or any group of Nurses and Midwives whatever name it seeks to be addressed, who have taken the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria or National Association of Nigeria of Nurses and Midwives to court for any reason(s) to promptly withdraw the matter to give room for the leadership of NANNM to completely address any lingering challenges affecting Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, to allow unity and progress in our valued profession. When two elephants fight, the grass suffers.”
The association also urged the Federal government to implement a special salary structure through the Enhanced Nurses Salary Structure, which would provide a much-needed increase.
“The leadership of NANNM is aware of the stressful conditions the nurses and midwives are facing in their various areas of practice characterized by increased workload, poor work environment, inadequate compensation, and subsequent brain drain.
“To tackle the gap, Nigeria Nurses and Midwives strongly request an ENSS to address the issue of migration. This situation has caused more conflict and division among nurses and midwives in the country. This situation should not be allowed to escalate into unnecessary industrial action.
Nnachi urged Nigeria Nurses and Midwives to keep showing dedication, honesty, and effectiveness in their work while they wait for the government to act on their requests.
