Nursing Leaders Urge FG to Address Insecurity, Staff Shortages in Health Sector

By The Whistler, Abuja

The Body of Heads of Nursing Services Departments and Principals of Schools of Nursing in Federal Health Institutions (BOHNAPFHI) has urged the Federal Government to take decisive steps in tackling rising insecurity and the persistent shortage of healthcare personnel across the country.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja on Wednesday, the group highlighted that the few nurses available are burdened with excessive workloads, leading to burnout and labour migration due to inadequate remuneration.

BOHNAPFHI called on the government to immediately recruit more nurses and midwives and improve their pay to retain critical manpower in the health sector. The AGM, which marked the group’s Silver Jubilee, carried the theme: “Putting in Motion Intergenerational Leadership Towards Sustainable Quality Nursing Education.”

The event drew several dignitaries, including the Registrar/CEO of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Alhaji Ndagi Alhassan. The body commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to address insecurity but urged stronger interventions to ensure safety for health workers.

The group also raised concerns about some medical directors denying nursing officers their pre-retirement leave but praised those who adhered to the regulations. It called on all federal health institutions to establish Colleges of Nursing Sciences following NMCN guidelines and warned against the proliferation of poorly equipped colleges, which could compromise nursing education quality.

“Through the Ministry of Health, the Federal Government should fast-track the centralisation of nurse interns. We commend ongoing efforts to avert industrial actions in the health sector through constructive dialogue,” the statement added.

The communiqué was signed by BOHNAPFHI National Chairman, Dr. Aderonke Awoseemo, and National Secretary, Hajia Salamatu Idris.