The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has reopened its verification portal, offering essential support for both local and overseas nurses and midwives. The portal was deactivated earlier in the year, which caused disruptions, particularly for Nigerian healthcare professionals working abroad. The council’s official website has verified the reopening, allowing nurses and midwives to submit their requests for verification. Significantly, the council has announced that moving forward, the expiration dates for renewal applications will be determined by the application date, an essential change for many professionals in the field.
Anthony Ijeoma, a nurse affiliated with Nursingworld Nigeria, approved the portal’s restoration. He recognised the contributions of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), whose relentless advocacy significantly facilitated this development. Ijeoma also commended the nursing council for reevaluating its position and implementing measures to alleviate challenges encountered by many nurses, particularly those employed abroad. The portal shutdown in February 2024 triggered distress and legal issues for many overseas nurses, especially in the United Kingdom and the United States. Lacking the necessary certification verification, many faced breaches of visa stipulations or regional labour regulations, resulting in risks of deportation and contract cancellations.
Nurses and midwives need two years of experience post-permanent license.
Some nurses were forced to return to the country because they could not provide the necessary documentation. The problem comes from a notice published by the NMCN on February 7, which detailed updated protocols for the verification procedure. As the notice states, nurses and midwives must possess at least two years of experience after obtaining their permanent practising license. In addition, the council mandated that applicants provide a letter of good standing from their employer and the last nursing school they attended. The NMCN Registrar/CEO would receive these documents for their endorsement.
Also, the updated regulations faced significant criticism. Various state branches of the NANNM, such as those in Lagos, Ogun, Kwara, and Plateau, and their national office, urged the NMCN to reconsider the verification process. Many nurses contended that the updated regulations were excessively rigid, limiting their chances to explore international opportunities. This has become all the more crucial given the challenging economic conditions in the area and the global demand for healthcare workers. A group of nurses challenged the new guidelines through legal action, but these lawsuits were later withdrawn.
Michael Nnachi calls for action on salaries and healthcare conditions.
Meanwhile, the issue drew interest from legislators, as the House of Representatives intervened on February 27, calling for the council to suspend the updated guidelines. The timing of the verification portal’s closure coincided with broader concerns in the country about the emigration of health professionals, commonly referred to as the “brain drain” in the medical sector. Many in the nursing community felt that the NMCN’s actions were an attempt to discourage professionals from seeking better opportunities abroad. With thousands of nurses leaving the nation each year for better working conditions and pay, the country’s health system has faced increasing pressure.
Despite these challenges, the portal’s reopening is a significant achievement for nurses and midwives. However, it underscores the persistent difficulties faced by the profession. Michael Nnachi, President of the NANNM, has restated the urgent need for the federal government to tackle further critical problems impacting the nursing sector. Key priorities include ensuring timely salary disbursement for all NMCN employees, establishing the NMCN board, and developing a dedicated salary framework for nurses, or, at minimum, reassessing the professional allowances for nursing staff.
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Lastly, reopening the verification portal is important, but the country’s nurses’ challenges remain unresolved. The NANNM has clarified that nursing will continue to face difficulties unless these issues are addressed. The demand for Nigerian healthcare workers abroad will likely remain high, and without reforms, more nurses may feel compelled to leave the country. The decision to reopen the verification portal is a positive advancement for nurses and midwives locally and internationally. It allows them to verify their qualifications and explore global opportunities free from legal challenges.