The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has revealed that over 15,000 nurses and midwives left the country in 2023, seeking better opportunities abroad.
NMCN’s registrar, Faruk Abubakar, disclosed this during an interview on Channels TV on Tuesday.
Abubakar’s revelations come amid ongoing protests by nurses demanding improved salaries, working conditions, and staff shortages.
NMCN recently stated that applicants seeking verification of certificates from foreign nursing boards and councils must possess two years of post-qualification experience from the date of issuance of the permanent practicing license.
This recent policy has further fueled discontent among many nurses, who perceive it as hindering their freedom to pursue international careers.
Meanwhile, Abubakar said the number of nurses leaving the country is increasing every year.
“42,000 nurses left the country in the last three years. Last year alone, it was over 15,000, the number is increasing year by year,” Abubakar stated.
He also noted that the Federal Ministry of Health is working towards improving the nurses’ working conditions, allowances, and salaries.
Abubakar added that the ministry is also working to ensure a very conducive working environment, with the provision of state-of-art equipment, and instruments, that will help them provide quality care for Nigerians.
“And I want to assure (you) that within a couple of months, a lot has been integrated and provided in 2024 that will improve the welfare of the nurses that we are talking about. When talking about the salary they are talking about, I think it’s a general phenomenon, and I believe it’s a general thing,” he added.
According to him, “There is a lot of progress that is going on to review the salary and nurses are also included in that policy.”
He, however,noted that the council is not responsible for the remuneration of nurses in the country.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that nurses are regulated to better education and practice for Nigerians. Those who are responsible are doing their best to ensure that the welfare is attended to.”
