By Omoyeni Ojeifo
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has raised alarm over the worsening migration of healthcare workers, disclosing that more than 57,000 Nigerian nurses have left the country in the last five years.
The association said the trend, driven by poor remuneration, insecurity, and unfavourable working conditions, poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s healthcare system.
NANNM President, Comrade Haruna Mamman, disclosed this at a press briefing on Tuesday during the 2026 International Nurses Day and Florence Nightingale birthday celebration held in Abuja.
Persecondnews correspondent who covered the event, reports that the event themed “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” was attended by nurses, midwives and health stakeholders in their numbers.
Globally, May 12 is observed as International Nurses Day in honour of Florence Nightingale, widely regarded as the pioneer of modern nursing.
Mamman said the theme reflected the urgent need to strengthen healthcare systems through improved welfare and empowerment.
“This theme emphasizes the urgent need to invest in and empower the nursing workforce through safe working conditions and leadership opportunities,” he said.
According to him, nurses can maximise their impact when adequately supported with the right tools and resources.
“For nurses to maximize their life-saving impact, they must have the authority and resources to deliver high-quality, person-centred primary care.”
He stressed that governments must move beyond symbolic recognition and take concrete action to address challenges confronting the profession.
“It serves as a directive for governments to move beyond recognition and take action to eliminate barriers, ensuring nurses can use their full knowledge and skills,” noted.
Mamman also highlighted the need for improved working conditions, mental health support, and better career development opportunities for nurses and midwives.
He expressed concern over the growing migration trend, revealing that over 16,000 Nigerian nurses had migrated to the United Kingdom as of December 2025.
“Many nurses wish to stay and work in Nigeria, but the push factors, which include poor remuneration, poor working conditions, kidnapping, insecurity, and lack of career progression, keep pushing them to leave the country,” Mamman also said.
He called on government and relevant stakeholders to urgently tackle the challenges affecting the profession to prevent further depletion of the country’s healthcare workforce.
Mamman assured members that the association would continue to push for improved welfare and remuneration for nurses and midwives nationwide.
He also commended healthcare workers for their sacrifices and commitment to service delivery across the country.
“Today is not just for celebration. It is a day to reflect on the care, sacrifices, advocacy, hope, and relief you offer to Nigerians,” he said.
The association further urged policymakers to prioritise reforms capable of strengthening the health sector and retaining skilled professionals within the country.
Author
Leave a comment