The sudden deactivation of the verification portal by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) in February has thrown many Nigerian nurses and midwives working abroad into turmoil.
Healthcare workers are now facing difficulties in renewing their licenses and meeting international regulatory requirements. Some nurses without the necessary verification from the NMCN are in violation of visa conditions and employment laws, leading to legal consequences.
Many Nigerian nurses abroad, including those in the United Kingdom and the United States, have been forced to return to Nigeria due to this issue.
One nurse, who spoke anonymously to avoid ridicule, recounted his excitement about joining a prestigious UK Trust in September 2023. His hopes were dashed when the NMCN deactivated the verification portal. Despite completing exams and document checks, he was unable to receive his registration pin because the portal was closed. His attempts to get assistance from the NMCN were unsuccessful, leading to his employment termination.
A Nigerian nurse in the UK, identified as Ovie, expressed her frustration over the inability to complete her verification process. She had planned to work part-time as a nurse to support herself financially while studying. The suspension of the verification process has left her uncertain about her future and at risk of deportation as her student visa nears expiration.
Another nurse, who asked to remain anonymous, faced similar hurdles with the closed verification portal. She has been unable to proceed with necessary tests and is in limbo.
Hannah, a nurse in Saudi Arabia, shared her growing frustration and the looming threat of deportation due to the verification issues.
The President of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Michael Nnachi, said the group has engaged with the government on the matter, including forming a committee to review the situation. He expressed hope for a positive resolution but cautioned that even when agreements are reached, they are not always fulfilled.
The Deputy National President of NANNM, Abubakar Shehu, criticized the delay in reopening the portal and emphasized that other health professionals are also migrating from Nigeria. He mentioned that the NMCN registrar has assured that the portal will be reopened soon.
Efforts to reach the NMCN Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Faruk Abubakar, for comment were unsuccessful. However, Abubakar assured on August 28 that the verification portal would soon be reopened, emphasizing that Nigeria’s dignity must be preserved in the process.
Debo Adeniran, President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, criticized the government for restricting opportunities for Nigerians abroad and urged support for those representing Nigeria positively in the diaspora.
