Nurses protest in Lagos, Abuja over new certificate verification guidelines

Nurses under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NMCN) are protesting the new verification certification guidelines released by the council.

The protests are being carried out at the NMCN’s office in Abuja and in Yaba, Lagos.

In a circular on Thursday, the NMCN announced that applicants seeking the verification of certificates to foreign nursing boards and councils must possess two years post qualification experience.

The council also said applicants are required to pay a non-refundable fee per application, for verification to foreign boards of nursing as specified on the council’s portal.

“Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two (2) years post qualification experience from the date of issuance of permanent practicing licence. Any application with provisional licence shall be rejected outrightly,” the circular reads.

“The Council shall request a letter of Good Standing from the Chief Executive Officer of applicant’s place(s) of work and the last nursing training institutions attended and responses on these shall be addressed directly to the Registrar/CEO, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

“Please note that Council shall not accept such letter(s) through the applicant.”

The circular elicited outrage on social media, with many nurses and health workers describing it as a violation of their rights.

The protesting nurses adorned in their scrubs, held aloft placards and banners listing their demands.

The protest in Lagos has led to traffic in the area.

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The nurses are demanding an immediate withdrawal of the circular. They are also asking that the verification process should be completed in 48 hours and also be made free.

They are also demanding an increase in remuneration and hazard allowance.