The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has caused outrage among Nigerian nurses by implementing new guidelines that hinder their ability to seek better opportunities abroad.

Previously, nurses could swiftly authenticate their qualifications for international practice, but now they must endure a cumbersome process, including mandatory two years of service in Nigeria and increased application fees. The Nursing Group Admin (NGA) has taken a stand to challenge these regulations in court.

The number of nurses from Nigeria has surged, with over 42,000 leaving in the last three years alone. Many migrate to the UK, driven by factors like low salaries and poor working conditions back home. While the NHS faces its own nurse shortage, Nigerian nurses abroad encounter challenges such as inadequate pay and unsafe working conditions. Yet, these conditions still often surpass what nurses endure in Nigeria.

The revised guidelines not only prolong the verification process but also introduce new requirements, including obtaining letters of good standing from senior doctors. This leaves nurses vulnerable to potential abuse and may worsen their working conditions.

Source: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/nigeria-nurses-nhis-nmcn-working-abroad-guidelines-two-years-brain-drain/