The Lagos State Council of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives has called for the immediate reversal and withdrawal of the new circular on certificate verification by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
The council reached this resolution at its emergency state executive council meeting on Friday in Lagos.
The council noted that it would consider other measures if there is no positive intervention by the close of business on Monday, February 12, 2024.
The NMCN had on Tuesday released a circular on the guidelines for requesting verification of certificates for nurses and midwives in the country.
In the new circular by the NMCN, nurses and midwives must have a minimum of two years post-qualification experience from the date of issuance of the permanent practising licence.
Nurses, who spoke with journalists, alleged that the deactivation of the portal by the council was an attempt to hinder their freedom to pursue career opportunities abroad.
They also said it was not unconnected to the plan of the Federal Government to reduce the number of health workers travelling out of the country to seek greener pastures.
Meanwhile, a statement signed by the Secretary of the Lagos State Council of NANNM, Toba Odumosu, questioned certain aspects of the circular and expressed reservations about its intent and impact on the progress and welfare of its members.
The council called on the Federal Government to immediately constitute the NMCN board to ensure proper representation of the interests of nurses and midwives in key decisions.