The Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Ndagi Al-Hassan, has strongly advised Nigerian nurses against migrating abroad, urging them to reconsider the impact of their decisions on Nigeria’s healthcare system. In a recent statement, Al-Hassan acknowledged the global demand for Nigerian nurses but emphasized that the country’s healthcare system is facing a critical shortage of skilled workers. “Nigeria needs you more than Europe or America,” he stated, underscoring that nurses’ expertise is vital for improving local healthcare services.
Al-Hassan highlighted the severe challenges Nigeria’s healthcare sector is facing, including inadequate infrastructure, underfunded hospitals, and a lack of trained professionals. He argued that the migration of nurses is further weakening the healthcare system, leaving it unable to meet the growing demands of its population. “By staying and working in Nigeria, you have the opportunity to transform our healthcare system,” Al-Hassan continued, encouraging nurses to use their expertise to help improve healthcare delivery and make a significant impact on the lives of Nigerians.
Although many Nigerian nurses are attracted to the higher salaries and better working conditions available in developed countries, Al-Hassan called on them to think beyond the immediate financial gains. “You can make a lasting difference by staying here and contributing to the advancement of the country’s health sector,” he said. His plea stresses the long-term benefits of staying in Nigeria, where the skills and dedication of nurses are needed to improve local care and drive the necessary reforms in the healthcare system.
Al-Hassan’s statement comes at a time when the Nigerian government has faced growing criticism for its inability to curb the mass exodus of healthcare workers. Many nurses are leaving for countries offering more lucrative career opportunities, leading to a shortage of healthcare professionals in Nigeria. Al-Hassan’s comments reflect the urgent need for Nigeria to take action and invest more in its healthcare infrastructure to retain skilled workers and avoid becoming overly reliant on foreign-trained professionals.
In his concluding remarks, Al-Hassan called for systemic reforms that would make Nigeria a more attractive place for healthcare professionals to work and thrive. “Our healthcare system needs your expertise, and by staying in Nigeria, you have the chance to help build a healthcare system that can serve all Nigerians,” he said. His call to action highlights the importance of investing in healthcare and creating better incentives for nurses to remain in Nigeria, ensuring that the country’s healthcare system is strengthened and sustained for future generations.
