By In celebration of the 2026 International Nurses Day, the Elegant Nurses Forum has commended Nigerian nurses for the sacrifices in saving lives and stabilising the healthcare system, while calling on the Federal Government to urgently address the challenges confronting the profession.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Nurse Thomas Abiodun, the forum described nurses as the backbone of the Nigeria healthcare system despite operating under difficult and unbearable conditions
“From emergency care to public health, maternal care, medico-surgical, mental health and community services, Nurses continue to carry the burden of healthcare with courage, compassion and professionalism,” the statement read.
The forum lamented that nurses across the country continue to face workplace violence, intimidation, poor welfare, unsafe working conditions, chronic understaffing, poor remuneration, delayed promotions, inadequate security, lack of transport support, and poor health insurance coverage.
According to the statement, the Federal Government’s alleged negligence and lack of attention to the profession have resulted in missed career opportunities, disrespect, and abandonment of nurses.
“Nurses in Nigeria remain among the most suppressed professionals within the healthcare workforce despite being among the most important,” the statement added.
The forum further alleged that the failure of the federal government to appoint a Chairman for the Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, has hindered the processing of getting certificates and completing vital regulatory processes needed for accessing opportunities both at the local and international level.
The forum therefore demanded the immediate appointment of a reliable Chairman for the Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria as well as the immediate release and processing of outstanding certificates and regulatory documents being delayed due to government negligence.
It also called for improved welfare packages, better salaries, safer working environments, adequate staffing, proper health insurance, and stronger security protection for nurses across the country.
The forum additionally condemned workplace intimidation and harassment, demanding an end to violence and unfair treatment against nurses.
“We are approaching the beginning of a new era within the Nursing profession in Nigeria. Nigerian Nurses can no longer continue to suffer in silence while incompetent leadership continues to destroy the future of the profession through negligence, indifference and deliberate inaction,” the statement added.
