The Presidency has assured the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to addressing the concerns raised by the nursing community.
The special adviser to the president on health, Dr. Salma Anas-Kolo conveyed this commitment to journalists in Abuja while discussing the state of healthcare, maternal and child health in the country, as well as recent protests staged over perceived hindrances to nurses’ career opportunities. The nurses and midwives had expressed displeasure at the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) offices in Abuja and Lagos, citing obstacles to their professional growth.
The NMCN’s revised guidelines, which triggered the protest, outlined requirements for verifying certificates from foreign nursing boards, including a stipulation of two years of post-qualification experience from the date of the permanent practising license.
Anas-Kolo affirmed the administration’s dedication to enhancing the working conditions and welfare of healthcare workers, acknowledging the vital role nurses play in healthcare delivery.
“Nurses are the faces of the health facilities, spending more time with patients than any other professionals. They are crucial to us, and we recognise their contributions,” she emphasised.
Addressing the concerns raised by the nursing community, she stated, “We are committed to this administration and it is part of the priorities under the human resources issues. One area we want to address in creating an enabling environment is to also address the issue of rivalry. We are working tirelessly to address all the conflict issues and all the areas that will motivate our nurses and midwives and all other health workers at the same time.”
The assurance from the Presidency reflects a proactive stance towards resolving the challenges faced by nurses and midwives, aligning with the broader objective of enhancing the healthcare sector’s effectiveness and promoting a positive working environment for healthcare professionals.
