latest
“Nigeria’s Nursing Gap Widens As States Employ Fewer Than 100 Nurses Annually”
The Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Ndagi Alhassan, has raised alarm over what he described as the dangerously low recruitment of nurses across many states, warning that some employ fewer than 100 nurses annually despite the nation’s worsening healthcare workforce crisis.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Alhassan, speaking in an exclusive interview, described the trend as “worrisome and unsustainable,” noting that the limited intake of nurses is piling unbearable pressure on the few professionals available, who are already stretched by long hours, poor welfare, and rising cases of brain drain. He cautioned that, if left unchecked, this neglect could cripple Nigeria’s health system.
According to Alhassan, while thousands of nurses graduate every year, inadequate state-level employment opportunities undermine service delivery, dampen workforce morale, and leave rural and underserved communities without critical medical support. He said the problem is not production but absorption.
“The truth is that government must take responsibility and employ unemployed nursing graduates. If you check the employment records in many states and teaching hospitals over the last three years, it’s appalling. In several states, no more than 100 nurses are engaged yearly. We keep producing graduates en masse, but no one is hiring them,” he said.
The warning comes on the heels of a four-day nationwide strike by nurses, under the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), which disrupted health services across the country from July 30 to August 2, 2025. The industrial action followed a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government demanding better welfare, mass recruitment, and implementation of a long-delayed scheme of service.
The strike was suspended after the government pledged to gazette the nurses’ scheme of service within four weeks and address career progression, welfare, and internship placements, as captured in a Memorandum of Understanding signed after a conciliation meeting with top officials including the Coordinating Minister for Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate.
Alhassan maintained that unemployment, rather than migration alone, remains the biggest threat to the nursing profession. He lamented that even graduates of community nursing and midwifery programmes—designed to provide manpower for rural areas—are left jobless as local governments fail to engage them.
To mitigate workforce gaps, the NMCN has increased admission quotas to over 115,000 annually, reformed schools into colleges awarding ND and HND, and expanded postgraduate opportunities. Alhassan said the council is also pushing for the implementation of Advanced Nursing Practice and Doctorate of Nursing programmes while strengthening training and continuous professional development to keep nurses equipped for emerging health challenges.
He urged the government to focus on four critical priorities: employment of qualified nurses, provision of equipment and a better work environment, improved remuneration, and sustained training. “Without these, the health system will continue to deteriorate,” he warned.
Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 19 kidnapped residents and neutralised a suspected bandit during a coordinated security operation in Gidan Dogo, Bwari Area Council, within the Federal Capital Territory.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The mission was launched following credible intelligence on the hideouts of terrorists responsible for recent abductions in the Byazhin area of Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, soldiers from the 7 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, conducted a search-and-rescue operation that successfully freed the kidnapped victims.
The troops encountered the criminals during the operation, resulting in a gunfight. The statement explained, “Troops of the 7 Guards Battalion, Guards Brigade, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, successfully rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a coordinated search and rescue operation. During the operation, troops engaged the bandits, neutralising one criminal while others fled with suspected gunshot wounds.”
Further searches of the area led to the recovery of weapons believed to have been used by the suspects, including an AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm.
Security sources told Punch that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks operating in and around the nation’s capital.
Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Onasanya, commended the troops and collaborating security agencies for their bravery and professionalism, reiterating the brigade’s commitment to protecting residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
He stated that the Guards Brigade remains “resolute and fully committed to safeguarding residents of the Federal Capital Territory and protecting Abuja as the nation’s seat of power.”
The Army assured residents that troops would continue aggressive patrols and security operations to prevent further attacks, intensify collaboration with other security agencies, and eliminate threats of terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in the territory and its environs.
The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to Nollywood actress Sarah Martins to stop cooking and distributing food on public roads, cautioning that she faces arrest and prosecution if the practice continues.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The directive came on Saturday from the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a public statement addressed to the actress.
While acknowledging Martins’ charitable intentions toward vulnerable residents, Wahab stressed that cooking or trading on public infrastructure—including roads, walkways, and medians—violates Lagos State’s environmental and public order laws.
“Although we appreciate the spirit of charity and compassion behind your actions, carrying out such activities on public roads, walkways, or medians is not permitted under Lagos environmental and public order regulations,” Wahab said. He explained that these practices pose safety, sanitation, and traffic risks.
The commissioner also noted that Martins had previously been cautioned over similar actions last year but had resumed the activity. He urged her to redirect her humanitarian efforts to approved platforms and locations.
“You were previously cautioned about this same issue due to the understanding of its philanthropic intention. I strongly advise you to desist from street cooking or similar activities in public spaces to avoid apprehension and prosecution,” Wahab said. “If you wish to continue your charitable outreach, it should be done through proper channels and designated locations to support vulnerable people without violating the law or creating environmental hazards.”
Wahab further emphasized that Lagos State expects all residents and visitors to comply with its laws, stating, “We expect everyone to be law-abiding in Lagos, just as they would be in any other well-regulated city.”
The warning follows recent videos showing Martins cooking and distributing food on Lagos streets, which drew significant public attention. This is not the first incident; in October 2025, officials from the Kick Against Indiscipline task force apprehended Martins while she was cooking on a road median in Lekki, seizing her cooking equipment. Footage of the encounter circulated online, showing her distressed and holding a hand she said was burned by hot oil, sparking mixed reactions.
The controversy also involved Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, after Martins claimed she received ₦20 million from his office to support her charity. Seyi Tinubu later clarified that the funds were raised by friends moved by her humanitarian work, and he stressed he did not support any actions that violate Lagos State laws.
The state government has consistently defended its enforcement measures, maintaining that Martins’ activities on public roads were unauthorized and breached environmental and sanitation regulations.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reiterated that Eba Island is part of Ondo State, stressing that there is no conflict with Ogun State over the oil deposits in the area.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking with journalists at the Government House in Akure interactions with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun have been cordial, with no confrontation. He mentioned that Abiodun sometimes jokingly suggested sharing the oil well to make Ogun an oil-producing state.
“The location of mineral resources is determined by nature, not humans. It is God’s deposit. From historical and administrative records, the area clearly belongs to Ondo State,” he said.
The dispute arose after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved drilling at an abandoned oil well on Eba Island, prompting contrasting claims from both states. Ogun State officials, including the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, assert the island lies within Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, a position supported by local traditional rulers.
Ondo State, however, maintains ownership. Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Kayode Ajulo, described the renewed claims by Ogun as “astonishing,” citing historical and administrative records confirming Eba Island as part of Ondo. Ajulo explained that his research, including archival studies in the UK, consistently identified the island as integral to Atijere in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
-
latest6 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges