The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Lagos State Council, has called for the immediate reversal and withdrawal of the new circular on certificate verification by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
The resolution was reached during an emergency State Executive Council meeting held in Lagos on Friday.
The association mentioned that it would explore alternative measures if no positive intervention occurs by Monday.
The circular
NMCN, in its revised guidelines released on Tuesday night, states 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 licence.
The circular signed by its Registrar, Faruk Abubakar read in part, “A non-refundable fee per application shall be paid for verification to foreign boards of nursing as specified on the portal. This shall cover the cost of courier services to the applicant’s institution(s) of training, place of work, and foreign board.
“Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two years post qualification experience from the date of issuance of the permanent practicing licence. Any application with a provisional licence shall be rejected outrightly.
“The council shall request a letter of good standing from the Chief Executive Officer of the applicant’s place(s) of work and the last nursing training institution attended and responses on these shall be addressed directly to the Registrar/CEO, NMCN. Please note that the council shall not accept such letter(s) through the applicant.”
The council also stated that applicants must have an active practicing licence with a minimum of six months to the expiration date, and processing of verification application takes a minimum of six months.
It added that the implementation of the guidelines takes effect from 1 March 2024.
Nigerian health workers have expressed their outrage on social media, labeling this development as a violation of human rights.
NANNM’s position
At its emergency meeting, NANNM observed that the prerequisite of two years of post-qualification practice casts “aspersion on the quality of nurses and midwives licensed by the council” and that it is “an infringement of their rights.”
It also raised concerns regarding the prolonged six-month minimum processing period stipulated in the circular, adding that the requirement for a letter from the Chief Executive Officer of the respective places of work is “a deliberate attempt to make the verification process burdensome.
The association thereby calls for the withdrawal of the circular and also urge the nursing council to fully digitalise the verification process, including the transmission of decisions to other regulatory councils.
It also appeals to the council to provide the verification service at no extra cost while optimizing and automating its key processes for a 48-hour turnaround.
It asked the Nigerian government to constitute the NMCN board to ensure proper representation of the interests of nurses and midwives in key decisions.
“Acknowledging the immense hardship faced by nurses and midwives in Nigeria, the SEC urged the government at all levels to prioritise improving the working conditions, working environment, and better remuneration of nurses,” NANNM noted in its statement.
“It was also resolved that the State Council would consider other measures if no positive intervention by COB on Monday,” it added.