As part of the activities marking International Nurses Week, nurses across Nigeria have called on both the federal and state governments to appoint qualified nurses to leadership and policymaking positions, including ministerial roles and seats in state cabinets.
They argued that such appointments would significantly improve healthcare delivery and enhance the welfare of professionals within the nursing field.
According to them, issues affecting nurses are often neglected or under-prioritized due to the lack of nursing representation in decision-making roles within the health sector and healthcare institutions nationwide.
The 2024 International Nurses Week, celebrated globally from May 6 to 12, is themed “Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care.”
During a commemorative event held at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Oluwatoyin Champion, Apex Nurse and Head of the Nursing Department, emphasized the importance of recognizing nurses as key stakeholders in the health sector.
Speaking on the sub-theme, “Our nurses, our future caring for nurses strengthens the economies,” she highlighted the need for nurses to be included in national discourse and development efforts.
Champion pointed out that the ongoing exclusion of nurses from policymaking processes has had a negative impact on both the visibility and welfare of nursing professionals.
She stressed that nurses are not only highly trained, but many also hold doctorate degrees and occupy academic roles in top Nigerian institutions. Therefore, they should not be relegated to supporting roles but given platforms to actively shape the future of healthcare in Nigeria.
