The National Coordinator of the Elegant Nurses Forum, Thomas Abiodun Olamide, has decried the worsening conditions faced by Nigerian nurses, saying healthcare professionals in the country have “suffered enough” amid poor welfare, unsafe working conditions and government neglect.
In a statement issued on Tuesday to commemorate the 2026 International Nurses Day, Olamide said nurses across Nigeria continue to work under “difficult and often unbearable conditions” despite their critical role in sustaining the healthcare system.
“Today, we salute every Nurse who continues to stand firm in service to humanity despite difficult and often unbearable conditions,” she said.
According to her, Nigerian nurses face workplace violence, intimidation, poor welfare, unsafe environments, work overload caused by chronic understaffing, poor remuneration, delayed promotions and inadequate health insurance coverage.
“It is shameful that the same professionals who sacrifice their lives daily for the survival of others are treated with neglect, disrespect and abandonment by the Nigerian government,” Olamide stated.
She said nurses in Nigeria remain among the most suppressed professionals within the healthcare workforce despite being among the most important to healthcare delivery.
The ENF coordinator also expressed solidarity with young Nigerian nurses who have launched online protests and advocacy campaigns over alleged failures by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the Federal Government.
According to her, many nurses have remained stranded for months because the Federal Government has yet to appoint a substantive chairman for the council’s board, a situation he said has stalled the issuance of certificates and other regulatory processes.
“For months, countless young Nurses have remained stranded and unable to access opportunities both within and outside Nigeria due to the failure of the Federal Government to appoint a Chairman for the Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria,” she added.
Describing the development as “unacceptable,” Olamide accused the government of frustrating and suppressing Nigerian nurses through negligence and inaction.
She demanded the immediate appointment of a substantive chairman for the council’s board, the release and processing of outstanding certificates, improved welfare packages, safer working environments, adequate staffing and stronger security protection for nurses nationwide.
Olamide also called for an end to workplace intimidation, harassment and violence against nurses.
“Nigerian Nurses must remain united, vocal and fearless in demanding justice, dignity and better conditions for the profession,” she said.
She encouraged nurses across the country to continue advocating for reforms and improved welfare as the world marks this year’s International Nurses Day. #Securitynewsalert.com
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