The West African Postgraduate College of Nurses and Midwives, Nigeria chapter, on Wednesday in Abuja, urged the federal government to improve the welfare of nursing personnel nationwide.

The association said that by doing so, the government would boost nursing services and create a healthier nation.

Lilly-West Buloala, chairman of the Nigerian Chapter of the College, made the call on Wednesday at the ongoing 25th annual general meeting and scientific conference of the college in Abuja.

Ms Buloala said that nurses’ well-being was inseparable from the well-being of the patients they care for.

“The wellness of the nurse is inseparable from the wellness of the patient. Nurses and midwives occupy the frontline, the last line, and often every line in between. Yet, the individuals who sustain the nation’s health system are themselves confronted with emotional exhaustion, occupational stress, inadequate support structures, and insufficient financial protection.

“This conference calls us to confront these realities with courage and clarity. We must institutionalise comprehensive, confidential, and stigma-free support systems such as counselling, mental health services, stress and crisis intervention and structured workplace support.

“This will help to reverse the silent epidemics of burnout, compassion fatigue, anxiety, and depression. A healthy workforce is not optional. It is an economic imperative, a policy priority, and a moral responsibility,” Ms Buloala said.

Ms Buloala said it was unfortunate that there was no comprehensive health insurance for nurses in the country, which would improve their access to health care.

“It is a troubling paradox that the very professionals who safeguard public health often struggle with inadequate access to healthcare for themselves and their families.

“The call for robust, accessible, and mandatory health insurance for all nurses and midwives in Nigeria is non-negotiable.

“Health insurance is not merely a benefit. It is security, protection, and an anchor of retention in a workforce under unprecedented strain,” Ms Buloala said.

Ms Buloala said that the silver jubilee was not merely a celebration of longevity but a testament to 25 years of resilience, intellectual rigour, and unwavering dedication to advancing health outcomes across West Africa.

“This conference will deepen the evidence base, showcase global best practices, highlight transformative models, and co-create a strategic roadmap that positions nurse wellness as a cornerstone of national health policy,” she said.

The college’s executive secretary, Mohammed Yakatun, said the conference would also be used to strategise on advancing the college. According to him, by doing this, the participants will be laying a stronger foundation and legacy to promote the college’s objectives, which are to seek excellence in the nursing profession.

He said that the college had, over the years, made significant strides in online lectures and meetings, the production of a strategic plan, the extension of the fellowship programme to other member countries, and an increase in the number of students.

(NAN)