FG pressed to act on insecurity, nursing workforce gap
The Body of Heads of Nursing Services Department and Principals of Schools of Nursing in Federal Health Institutions (BOHNAPFHI) has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity across the country.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued on Wednesday at the end of the group’s Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Abuja. The event, which marked BOHNAPFHI’s Silver Jubilee, was attended by dignitaries including the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Alhaji Ndagi Alhassan.
The communiqué was signed by Dr. Aderonke Awoseemo, National Chairman, and Hajia Salamatu Hassan Idris, National Secretary.
Themed “Putting in Motion Intergenerational Leadership Towards Sustainable Quality Nursing Education”, the conference examined challenges facing the profession and possible reforms.
While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s current efforts to address insecurity, BOHNAPFHI urged him to intensify action, stressing that safety remained central to the nation’s stability and health outcomes.
The body also raised alarm over acute manpower shortages in nursing practice and education. It noted that the few nurses available are overworked, poorly compensated, and increasingly seeking opportunities abroad.
To curb the trend, it called for urgent recruitment and improved remuneration of nurses and midwives.
In addition, BOHNAPFHI expressed concern that some Medical Directors and Chief Medical Directors (MDs/CMDs) were denying nursing officers their pre-retirement leave, even as it commended those complying with regulations.
The group further demanded that all federal health institutions establish Colleges of Nursing Sciences in line with NMCN guidelines. It also cautioned against the proliferation of poorly equipped colleges, warning that this could lead to the production of substandard nursing personnel.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Minister of Health, should expedite actions on the centralisation of nurse interns,” the communiqué stated.
BOHNAPFHI also commended the Minister of Health for ongoing efforts to prevent industrial disputes in the health sector through continuous engagement with unions and professional bodies.