Nigerian nurses frown at influx of quackery in profession

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) Lagos State Chapter have raised alarm over influx of fake nurses’ operations, declaring that it has resolved to clamp down on illegal training and unauthorised practice in the State.

Penpushing reports that Chairperson of the Association, Christianah Adeboboye made this known on Tuesday during the association’s Nurses Summit, in commemoration of the International Midwives Day and International Nurses Week,  and decried the alarming rate of nursing quackery,

The Chairperson of the body pointed out that despite the nobility of the calling, widespread impersonation of nurses by unqualified individuals poses a danger to public health and damages the image of the profession.

Penpushing further reports that Adeboboye said the association observed some of these impostors being enabled by certain health facilities and professionals, however, reiterated that the association has a zero-tolerance policy on quackery

The nurses boss disclosed that the association is working closely with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to clamp down on illegal training and unauthorised practice and equally called on the government and all stakeholders to support the association in upholding professional standards and safeguarding the integrity of the profession.

Penpushing also reports that she highlighted the pressing challenge of high attrition rate, pointing out that no fewer than 15,000 nurses migrated abroad in the past two years, adding that Lagos state contributes a significant portion to the number of nurses who emigrate abroad.

“While we are grateful for the retention allowance, its value has been significantly eroded by inflation. We urgently need sustained and comprehensive interventions to ensure economic stability, job satisfaction, and a reduction in both internal and external brain drain’, she stated

Penpushing reports that Adeboboye appealed to the state government to approve the regularisation of graduate nurses who joined the service earlier but are now junior to recently employed colleagues with the same Bachelor of Nursing Science qualification.

The chairperson said this disparity has led to frustration, false attrition, and avoidable resignations and called for the introduction of sustainable welfare packages for nurses and midwives to promote job satisfaction, commitment, and retention within the state health system.

Penpushing further reports that she advocated full consolidation of nurses’ and other health workers’ salaries to ensure improved pension benefits upon retirement, as well as called for the inclusion of nurses and midwives in policy-making at all levels to ensure their professional insights are reflected in health policies.

The association leader advocated the appointment of nurses on Grade Level 17 as Permanent Secretaries, to reflect their leadership potential and contributions to public service, as well as a call for special housing schemes, provision of official vehicles for Directors of Nursing and Apex Nurses to enhance operational efficiency, among others.

‘These demands are not mere requests; they are strategic investments in the future of healthcare delivery in Lagos State. Supporting nurses and midwives means strengthening the economy, reducing maternal and infant mortality, and significantly improving overall health outcomes’, she said

Meanwhile, the 2025 themes—“Midwives: Critical in All Crises” and “Our Nurses, Our Future: Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies”- highlight the indispensable role played by nurses on the frontlines of healthcare delivery.

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