The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Lagos State Chapter, has raised serious concerns over the growing menace of quackery within the nursing profession, pledging decisive action against unauthorized training and illegal practice.
Speaking at the 2025 Nurses Summit a dual celebration of International Midwives Day and International Nurses Week, Lagos State Chairperson, Comrade Christianah Adeboboye, emphasized the critical role of nurses and midwives, particularly in times of crisis. This year’s themes, “Midwives: Critical in All Crises” and “Our Nurses, Our Future: Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies,” underscore their centrality in healthcare systems and national development.
Public Health at Risk: Rise in Impersonation and Unlicensed Practice
Adeboboye decried the alarming rate of nurse impersonation, describing it as a direct threat to public health and the credibility of the profession.
“It is unfortunate that some health facilities and even licensed professionals are enabling these impostors,” she noted. “NANNM Lagos maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy on quackery. We are actively collaborating with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to root out these illegal practices.”
She urged the government, stakeholders, and the public to unite in defending the integrity of nursing and midwifery, warning that failure to do so could have dire consequences for the healthcare system.
Brain Drain Crisis: Over 15,000 Nurses Migrate in Two Years
Highlighting another urgent challenge, Adeboboye revealed that more than 15,000 Nigerian nurses—a substantial number from Lagos—have migrated abroad in the last two years.
While appreciating the state government’s retention allowance, she argued that its real value has diminished due to rising inflation.
“We need long-term strategies to address economic instability, job dissatisfaction, and the mass exodus of nurses. Without this, we risk an even greater collapse of our local healthcare workforce,” she warned.
She further appealed for the regularization of graduate nurses previously employed but currently outranked by newer colleagues with the same qualifications—a disparity causing unrest, demotivation, and unnecessary resignations.
Policy Inclusion and Improved Welfare: A Strategic Imperative
Adeboboye called for robust welfare programs to boost morale and retain skilled professionals. She advocated for:
Full salary consolidation for nurses and other healthcare workers to guarantee better retirement benefits.
Active involvement of nurses in policy formulation at all government levels to leverage their frontline experience.
Appointment of nurses on Grade Level 17 as Permanent Secretaries to reflect their leadership capabilities.
Special housing schemes and official vehicles for senior nursing officers to enhance operational effectiveness.
“These are not just welfare issues; they are strategic investments in the sustainability of healthcare in Lagos,” she asserted.
By supporting nurses and midwives, Adeboboye concluded, Lagos State can expect lower maternal and infant mortality rates, better health outcomes, and a stronger economy.
Credit: Nairametrics
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