The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has called for urgent action by governments at all levels to address the increasing migration of nurses from the country.
The President of NANNM, Mr Haruna Mamman, made the call at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday to commemorate the 2026 International Nurses Day, celebrated annually on May 12.
He said the event also marked the birthday of Florence Nightingale, whom he described as the founder of modern nursing.
Mamman said the International Council of Nurses (ICN), the global body for nurses, had announced the theme for the 2026 celebration as: “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
The NANNM president explained that the theme emphasized the urgent need to invest in and empower the nursing workforce through safe working conditions and leadership opportunities, while highlighting their critical role in global health resilience.
He said the 2026 theme identified key areas requiring urgent attention and action.
According to him, the theme underscores that for nurses to maximize their life-saving impact, they must be given the authority and resources needed to deliver high-quality, person-centred primary healthcare.
He added that the theme called for structural reforms and served as a directive for governments to move beyond recognition and take practical steps to eliminate barriers preventing nurses from fully utilizing their knowledge and skills.
“The theme promotes investment in safe and fair working environments, mental well-being, and education for nurses.
“It also reflects the continued strategic focus of previous themes, including the 2024 theme, ‘Economic Power of Care,’ and the 2025 theme, ‘Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies.’
“The 2026 theme shifts attention to the tangible and high-impact role nurses play in making health systems effective and resilient,” Mamman said.
He also noted that Nigerian nurses and midwives remained among the best globally.
According to him, however, Nigerian-trained nurses and midwives are migrating in large numbers to other countries in search of better opportunities.
Mamman disclosed that as of December 2025, about 16,000 Nigerian nurses had migrated to the United Kingdom.
“In the past five years, more than 57,000 Nigerian nurses have left the country for different parts of the world in search of greener pastures.
“This should be a matter of serious concern for the government and other stakeholders,” he said.
He noted that many nurses would prefer to remain and work in Nigeria but were discouraged by factors such as poor remuneration, unfavourable working conditions, insecurity, limited career progression, and inadequate job opportunities.
The NANNM president urged the government and relevant stakeholders to address these challenges, while commending nurses for their dedication and commitment to service.
He said the leadership of NANNM would continue to engage governments and other stakeholders on the welfare of nurses and midwives.
Also speaking, the association’s National Secretary, Dr Thomas Shettima, said NANNM had held several engagements with the government, particularly on the welfare of nurses and midwives, and would continue to do so.
He added that the government was also making efforts to support nurses and midwives.
“We are not always pleased to go on strike because we understand the implications for the country’s healthcare system,” Shettima said.
