The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has appealed to the Federal Government to reopen the portal for verifying nurses’ credentials, which was closed in December 2023 to regulate nursing standards.
NANNM President Michael Nnachi made this plea at a two-day National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, also advocating for a nursing department at the Federal Ministry of Health and greater recognition for nurses in policy-making and political appointments.
Nnachi emphasized the vital role nurses play in healthcare and urged them to unite, advocate for their rights, and push for better working conditions, education, research, and policy involvement.
He called for a safe working environment, adequate compensation, and protection against disease outbreaks.
The Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Faruk Abubakar, assured that the council’s relationship with NANNM is cordial and that current misunderstandings would soon be resolved.
Nnachi also encouraged nurses to participate in politics, embrace innovation, and stay informed about national changes.
He stressed the need for leaders to challenge unfavorable policies, protect nurses’ rights, and promote the profession’s well-being and ethics.
“Some of the agitation or perceived misunderstanding are coming from people practicing outside the country.
“These people are collecting or participating in the verification of nurses and midwives without due process. All these tend to destroy the image of the association, these people are using our association to make money.
” The council is not against any member of NANNM moving anywhere in the world, but all that we are interested in is that Nigeria must work with dignity.
“Reopening of the verification portal requires due process.
“I have received many letters on it, both from the National Assembly. We are working towards resolving all the issues and the portal will be reopened,” Abubakar highlighted.
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