Eight nurses in Nigeria have taken legal action against the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the Minister of Health, dragging them to the National Industrial Court in Abuja. The dispute stems from a new circular introduced by the NMCN, which outlines revised guidelines for certificate verification for nurses and midwives seeking employment opportunities abroad, starting March 1.
According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the contentious circular mandates applicants seeking certificate verification from foreign nursing boards to have at least two years of post-qualification experience. This requirement has sparked protests among nurses in Abuja and Lagos, demanding a reversal of the guidelines.
The nurses, represented by their counsel Mr. Ode Evans, have filed a suit (marked: NICN/ABJ/ 76/2024) requesting an interim order to halt the implementation of the new guidelines until the court makes a final determination. The complainants argue that these guidelines infringe on their constitutional rights to seek better career opportunities abroad.
During the court session, Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae granted an adjournment until May 20 for further proceedings. The Ministry of Health and the Attorney-General of the Federation, named as defendants, have been ordered to respond to the complaints.
The nurses seek relief in the form of a suspension of the new guidelines and a mandate for the NMCN to continue certificate verifications within a specified timeframe pending the court’s decision.
This legal battle reflects the tensions between regulatory bodies and professionals in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, highlighting broader issues concerning career mobility and professional development for nurses and midwives.
