Nurses association urges aggrieved members to withdraw suit

Mr. Michael Nnachi, President, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), has urgedaggrieved members of the association to withdraw the suit filed against the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

Nnachi made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the 2024 International Nurses Week, tagged “Our Nurses, Our Future, the Economic Power of Care.”

He also urged the nurses to withdraw any suit against the association.

Nnachi asked the aggrieved members to allow the leadership of the association the opportunity to address any lingering challenges affecting the association, as well as allow unity and progress to reign in the profession.

He said the leadership of NANNM was aware of the stressful working conditions for nurses and midwives in their various areas of practice.

Nnach said the conditions were characterised by increased workload and an indecent work environment.

The president also listed poor compensation and, consequently, brain drain, which had witnessed the emigration of thousands of nurses and midwives.

“Nigeria Nurses and Midwives passionately demand an Enhanced Nurses Salary Structure (ENSS) to address issues of migration.

“This situation has created more crisis and division among nurses and midwives in the country.

“This situation should not be allowed to degenerate into avoidable industry action; we await government positive action on our demands as already submitted to the government.

“I urge Nigerian nurses and midwives to continue to demonstrate commitment, integrity, and productivity through hard work, perseverance, and devotion in service delivery,’’ he said.

The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr. Udeme Otong, said that the theme of the 2024 nurses’ week was in line with the overall aspirations of NANNM and the International Council of Nurses (ICN).

Represented by Mr. Bob Otobong, a member of the assembly, Otong said the theme was to ensure that the welfare and care of nurses and midwives employed in both private and public health institutions were guaranteed and protected.

“The 2024 theme also has an economic perspective to it; the President of ICN, Dr. Pamela Cipriano, has also aligned with that and explained further about the theme.

“Surely, with more investments, nurses and midwives can step up their delivery.

“I believe that the resource persons lined up by NANNM to address these themes will provide stronger proofs for the possibility of such reinforced impact,” he said.