The decision by the Nigerian government to shut down the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria's (NMCN) verification portal has caused significant disruption for Nigerian nurses and midwives working abroad, forcing many to return home under distressing circumstances. This policy, ostensibly aimed at curbing the mass migration of healthcare workers, is a flawed and short-sighted approach to a complex issue that demands a more nuanced solution. Rather than stemming the tide of migration, the government has infringed on the rights of nurses to offer their services freely, punishing those who have sought better opportunities abroad due to poor pay and adverse working conditions in Nigeria.
The healthcare sector in Nigeria has been plagued by chronic underfunding, poor infrastructure, and an insufficient workforce. For many years, Nigerian nurses, midwives, and doctors have sought greener pastures abroad, where they are offered competitive salaries, better working environments, and opportunities for career growth. This "brain drain" has left Nigeria’s healthcare system even more vulnerable, but the blame cannot solely be placed on the healthcare workers who are exercising their right to seek better living conditions. Rather, the underlying factors driving this mass exodus need to be addressed.
The government’s heavy-handed tactic of shutting down the verification portal is not only ineffective but counterproductive. By denying nurses abroad the ability to renew their licenses or verify their qualifications, it has placed these healthcare professionals in precarious legal situations, jeopardizing their livelihoods and forcing many to return to Nigeria. Nurses in the UK, US, and Saudi Arabia, among other countries, are facing the threat of job loss and deportation simply because they cannot meet their host countries' certification requirements. This crisis not only affects the individual nurses but also tarnishes Nigeria's reputation in the global healthcare community.
The government's actions appear to be a knee-jerk reaction to the ongoing migration of healthcare workers, but this approach fails to tackle the root causes of the problem. Nigerian nurses and midwives, like professionals in any other field, have the right to seek employment opportunities that offer better pay and working conditions. The shutdown of the portal infringes upon this right, essentially trapping healthcare workers in a system that neither values nor adequately compensates their contributions.
Instead of resorting to punitive measures, the government should focus on creating incentives that make staying in the country a more attractive option for healthcare workers. These could include increasing salaries to match international standards, improving the working conditions in public hospitals, offering continuing education and career development opportunities, and ensuring that the healthcare system is adequately funded. A well-compensated and motivated workforce is less likely to seek opportunities abroad.
Moreover, the government should recognize that the migration of healthcare workers can have its benefits. Nurses and midwives who work abroad often send remittances back to Nigeria, contributing to the country’s economy. They also gain valuable experience and skills that they can eventually bring back home, benefiting the healthcare system in the long run. Rather than viewing migration as a loss, the government should see it as an opportunity for growth and development.
The closure of the NMCN verification portal has caused unnecessary hardship for Nigerian nurses abroad, many of whom are now facing unemployment and legal consequences. The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has rightly urged the government to reopen the portal and resolve the issue promptly. However, even if the portal is reopened, the damage has already been done. The affected nurses are now left to pick up the pieces of their disrupted careers and lives.
In conclusion, the Nigerian government must rethink its approach to healthcare worker migration. Shutting down the verification portal is a violation of nurses' rights and will do nothing to address the underlying issues driving migration. Instead, the government should focus on creating a healthcare system that values and compensates its workers adequately, ensuring that they have no reason to leave in the first place. Only then will Nigeria be able to stem the tide of healthcare worker migration in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of its professionals.
