Faruk Abubakar, the Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, addressed concerns raised by members of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives regarding the council’s new guidelines, stating that they are not aimed at preventing nurses and midwives from seeking opportunities abroad.

During a peaceful protest staged by the Abuja chapter of the association at the council’s office, Abubakar emphasized that the council’s primary objective is to safeguard Nigeria’s interests, as Nigerians have no other country. 

He assured the protesting nurses that the council’s guidelines are intended to protect national interests rather than restrict their career choices.

The nurses and midwives expressed their grievances regarding perceived obstacles to their professional development, including concerns about employment opportunities, quackery, welfare issues, and staff shortages. 

They carried placards bearing messages demanding action on these issues and urging the council to address their concerns promptly.

Some of the placards highlighted the need to address unemployment among nurses, combat quackery, improve nurses’ welfare, and resist restrictive verification rules imposed by the council. The protesters underscored the challenges faced by nurses and emphasized the importance of protecting healthcare professionals and their rights.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria issued revised guidelines for requesting verification of certificates for nurses and midwives on February 7, 2024. 

However, the council’s Registrar clarified that these guidelines are not intended to hinder nurses’ mobility but rather to ensure compliance with professional standards and safeguard the interests of the healthcare sector in Nigeria.