Title: Nigerian Nurses’ Demands: Towards Significant Progress in the Health Sector
As Nigerian nurses and midwives mobilize to make their demands heard, the recent dialogue with the federal government seems to pave the way for concrete improvements in the health sector. The meeting between the national leadership of the National Association of Nurses and Midwives of Nigeria (NANNM) and the government team led by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammad Ali Pate, resulted in significant progress.
At the heart of the discussions was the reopening of the NANNM accreditation portal, initially requested by nurses and midwives to facilitate access to better opportunities, pursue additional studies and complete necessary tasks. In response to the pressing demands made during the previous 15-day ultimatum, the government committed to reactivating this portal, a positive sign of a willingness to dialogue and cooperation.
However, while the agreement is a significant step forward, other demands remain unresolved. The nurses are demanding improved salary restructuring, the establishment of a Department of Health within the Federal Ministry of Health, the publication of the unified set of conditions of service for nurses and the active participation of nurses in health policy decision-making processes.
NANNM President Michael Nnachi stressed the critical importance of reopening the portal for the nursing profession but stressed the need for the government to act quickly on the other demands. As the 15-day ultimatum expires on September 16, 2024, he called for an acceleration of the process to meet the legitimate expectations of nurses and midwives in the country.
Beyond salary considerations, health professionals are also demanding concrete measures to address mass unemployment and ensure decent working conditions for all nurses, whether they work at the federal, state or local levels. The call to governors for a rapid implementation of the 25% increase in salaries and the payment of specific professional allowances illustrates the determination of nurses to assert their rights and improve their professional situation.
In a context marked by major socio-economic challenges and increasing pressure on workers, it is essential that the government adequately responds to the legitimate expectations of nurses in NigeriaThe recent commitment made during discussions between NANNM and government authorities paves the way for major advances in the health sector, provided that the promises made are quickly realized and the essential demands of health professionals are fully taken into account in future policy decisions.