Nurses Protest New Verification Guidelines at National Assembly

Nurses and midwives across Nigeria are taking to the streets in protest against new verification guidelines established by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). The council’s circular, issued on February 7, 2024, has sparked controversy among stakeholders, leading to calls for intervention from the National Assembly.

According to the revised guidelines, applicants must possess a minimum of two years of post-qualification experience and hold permanent practicing licenses. Additionally, the council requires letters of Good Standing from employers and previous nursing training institutions to be sent directly to the NMCN Registrar/CEO.

Expressing their discontent, nurses converged at the main gate of the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday, demanding the reopening of the verification portal, which they claim has been shut down by the council. They insist that the verification process should be completed within 48 hours and be provided free of charge.

Alexis Isioma, speaking on behalf of the protesters, criticized the new guidelines as harsh and unnecessary. She highlighted the challenges faced by nurses, particularly those seeking further education or scholarships abroad, due to the prolonged verification process and the requirement for recommendation letters from department heads.

“In November, a circular was issued, revising the verification rules. They introduced new rules stating that nurses must have two years of experience before verification or pursuing further studies, especially for those with scholarships abroad,” Isioma explained. “Since November, the verification portal has been closed, leaving many nurses unverified.”

Meanwhile, Amos Magaji, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on health institutions, extended an appeal to the protesters, assuring them of the National Assembly’s intervention. He pledged to engage with relevant authorities to address and resolve the grievances raised by the nursing community.