By Blessing Bature
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with key international development partners, has unveil the Nigeria Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (NSDNM) 2025–2030 — a landmark policy framework aimed at strengthening the nursing and midwifery professions across the country.
The NSDNM 2025–2030 represents a comprehensive national roadmap to improve education, regulation, workforce development, and leadership within the nursing and midwifery sectors. It is expected to guide the planning and implementation of sustainable interventions that will improve health outcomes and strengthen Nigeria’s health system over the next five years.
Speaking, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate at the Nursing Summit and National Rollout of the Nigeria Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (NSDNM) 2025–2030 with the theme: Strengthening Nursing and Midwifery Services in Nigeria for Universal Health Coverage through Implementation of NSDNM emphasized the critical role of nurses and midwives in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Our frontline health workers, especially nurses and midwives, form the backbone of Nigeria’s health delivery system. This strategy will ensure they are better trained, well-regulated, adequately supported, and professionally empowered to deliver high-quality care to all Nigerians,” he said.
The NSDNM 2025–2030 is expected to focus on key thematic areas, including workforce planning and retention, quality education and training, improved regulation and practice environments, leadership development, and increased investment in nursing and midwifery services.
He informed that Nurses are at the core of the resilience of Nigeria’s health system. Nurses and all other health professionals are the lifeblood of the health system, and we are profoundly appreciative of the role and function they play.
“Today marks a landmark moment in our health journey as a country, as we gather to advance a shared vision that will shape the future of healthcare delivery and strengthen the systems that safeguard the wellbeing of our people”.
“This summit is not just a ceremony but a gathering of minds, intellects, and a convergence of purpose. It brings together policymakers and all the right actors—from the National Assembly to the Executive, to frontline practitioners, our development partners, and advocates—all bound by a shared conviction that no health system can achieve resilience, equity, or universal health coverage without fully empowering its nursing and midwifery workforce”.
“The NSDNM is aligned with the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery, as mentioned by the WHO. We thank WHO for its lead role in facilitating this document”.
Speaking, Alhaji Ndagi Al-Hassan Confirmed as Permanent Registrar of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria explained that the rationale behind the initiative is to develop a strategic direction for the nursing and midwifery workforce in Nigeria, with the ultimate goal of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“This gathering will bring together key stakeholders to discuss pressing issues affecting the profession and explore ways to contribute meaningfully toward strengthening the health system,” the Registrar said.
“By the end of the program, we aim to produce a five-year strategic blueprint that outlines our vision for the nursing and midwifery workforce. This will focus on four key areas: education, service delivery, employment opportunities, and policymaking.”
He added that the outcome of the discussions will be compiled into a position paper, which will be submitted to the Federal Ministry of Health for consideration and integration into national health planning.
