Nurses Make 7 Urgent Demands As New NMCN Board Takes Office.

Abuja, 18 June 2026

Nigerian nurses have welcomed the inauguration of the new Governing Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), describing it as a significant milestone towards addressing long-standing regulatory and professional challenges affecting the nursing profession.

The Association of Young Nigerian Nurses (AYNN) issued a statement commending the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Dr Ndagi Al-Hassan, for facilitating the successful inauguration of the board.

The association noted that the development has renewed hope for thousands of graduate nurses whose professional certificates have remained unissued for more than three years due to the absence of a governing board.

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The new board was officially inaugurated in Abuja on Thursday, marking the first fully constituted NMCN Governing Board since the previous board was dissolved in 2023.

Government Commended for Responding to Nurses’ Concerns

AYNN praised the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and the ministry’s leadership for responding to concerns raised by nurses and nursing stakeholders across the country.

The association also acknowledged the efforts of Dr Ndagi Al-Hassan, highlighting his engagement with nursing representatives during recent advocacy activities and his assurances that steps were being taken to address the challenges facing the profession.

According to AYNN, the inauguration of the board demonstrates the effectiveness of dialogue, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement in resolving professional concerns.

“The fulfilment of these assurances through the inauguration of the Board demonstrates the value of dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and institutional responsiveness in addressing professional concerns,” the association stated.

Congratulations to the Newly Inaugurated Board

The Association of Young Nigerian Nurses congratulated all members of the newly inaugurated NMCN Governing Board, noting that their appointment comes at a critical time for the nursing profession.

The association expressed confidence that the board has a unique opportunity to strengthen nursing regulation, improve service delivery, and restore confidence in the Council’s operations.

Nurses Present 7 Urgent Demands to the New Board

While celebrating the inauguration, AYNN urged the new board to move swiftly in addressing pressing issues affecting nurses and nursing graduates nationwide.

The association outlined seven priority demands requiring immediate attention:

1. Immediate Issuance of Outstanding Professional Certificates

AYNN called on the board to expedite the release of all pending professional certificates to graduate nurses who have completed their training and registration requirements.

2. Clearance of Licensing and Renewal Backlogs

The association urged the board to resolve delays affecting licence issuance and renewals to ensure uninterrupted professional practice.

3. Stronger Action Against Quackery

AYNN called for enhanced regulatory measures to combat professional impersonation and eliminate quackery within the healthcare system.

4. Improved Transparency and Efficiency

The association advocated for more transparent, accountable, and efficient regulatory processes across all NMCN operations.

5. Protection of Nurses’ Welfare and Professional Growth

The board was urged to support policies that promote the welfare, dignity, career progression, and professional advancement of nurses and midwives.

6. Greater Stakeholder Engagement

AYNN encouraged the board to strengthen collaboration with nursing associations, educational institutions, and healthcare stakeholders to improve decision-making and policy implementation.

7. Investment in Nursing Education and Leadership Development

The association called for support for initiatives that enhance nursing education, professional practice, research, and leadership development across Nigeria.

Hope for a New Era in Nursing Regulation

AYNN described the inauguration as a positive step towards rebuilding confidence in the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and expressed optimism that the new board would usher in greater accountability, efficiency, and progress.

The association further appreciated nurses, student nurses, healthcare professionals, and media organisations whose peaceful advocacy efforts helped bring national attention to the challenges facing the profession.

Fellow Nurses Africa Welcomes Development

Fellow Nurses Africa joins nursing stakeholders across Nigeria in welcoming the inauguration of the new NMCN Governing Board.

The organisation commends the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Registrar of the Council for facilitating this important development and urges the board to prioritise the immediate clearance of certificate backlogs affecting thousands of nurses nationwide.

As the new board begins its tenure, nurses across the country remain hopeful that decisive action will be taken to address long-standing concerns and strengthen the future of nursing and midwifery regulation in Nigeria.

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Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support nurses across Africa.