By Frank Ulom
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, Cross River State Council, has called for massive employment of nurses as well as the upward review of retirement age for nurses in the state.
The call was made by Comr. Josephine Bassey, State Chairman of NANNM, at the NANNM Secretariat on Tuesday in Calabar, the state capital.
According to Nurse Bassey, “The shortage of nurses in many health facilities across Cross River State has continued to place enormous pressure on the few available personnel, leading to burnout, stress, and reduced efficiency.
“We, therefore, call on government at all levels to urgently embark on the mass employment of nurses and midwives to bridge the manpower gap, improve patient care, and reduce unemployment among qualified nursing professionals.”
The State Chairman said “NANNM strongly advocates for the immediate implementation of the approved upward review of retirement age for nurses and other health professionals to 65 years or 40 years of pensionable service.”
This policy, according to Bassey, “has become necessary due to the acute shortage of experienced healthcare personnel and the increasing demand for skilled nursing services. Retaining experienced nurses will strengthen mentorship, improve healthcare outcomes, and stabilise the health sector.”
She also called for the upgrade of health facilities as well as the provision of infrastructure to create a conducive working environment for nurses and other health workers.
“Quality healthcare cannot thrive in poorly equipped environments. Many health facilities in our state are in dire need of modern equipment, improved infrastructure, adequate medical supplies, and conducive working environments. We call on the government and stakeholders to prioritise the rehabilitation, upgrade, and proper equipping of health institutions, especially primary healthcare centres serving rural communities,” Bassey told newsmen.
She urges the Government of Cross River State and the Federal Government to continue investing in the nursing workforce through improved welfare packages, training opportunities, better remuneration, safe working conditions, and policies that promote professional growth. “An empowered nurse is a catalyst for healthier communities and stronger healthcare systems,” she added.
Joining nursing around the world to celebrate the 2026 International Nurses Week, Nurse Bassey averred that, “Nurses remain the backbone of healthcare delivery, serving tirelessly in hospitals, communities, schools, rural health centres, and emergency settings despite enormous challenges confronting the profession.”
She said this year’s theme, “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” aptly captures the indispensable role nurses play in sustaining functional healthcare systems and ensuring quality patient care.
She thanked the state Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, for the support shown towards nursing education and healthcare development, particularly for the provision of three 32-seater coaster buses to our nursing training institutions.
“Furthermore, we commend the government for its commitment and proactive efforts in ensuring that our nursing training institutions secured accreditation from our regulatory bodies, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). This achievement is a significant milestone that strengthens nursing education, promotes academic excellence, and guarantees the continuous production of competent nursing professionals for our healthcare system. These efforts clearly demonstrate the government’s recognition of the strategic importance of nursing education and healthcare development in Cross River State,” Nurse Bassey stated.
On their parts, Comrade Monday Patrick Anake, State NANNM Financial Secretary, and Hon. Josephat Bissong, State NANNM Auditor I, said the week afforded nurses the opportunity to reflect on their activities and impact in service.
They call for an increase in salary payment, which will reduce the Exodus of nurses outside the country.
Reacting to the call by NANNM, Dr Coco-Bassey Esu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, said the current administration has injected 200 nurses into the workforce, many of whom have received their appointment letters, despite inheriting a shortage of staff.
“Before now, there was a shortage of manpower but when this government came on board, it gave approval to employ 200 nurses, and a lot of them have received their appointment letters,” Dr Esu told Converseer on the phone on Tuesday.
For the state of health facilities in the state, Esu said approval has been given by the State Executive Council to rehabilitate several hospitals including the one in Ukem in Odukpani, Ikot Ene in Akpabuyo, IDH Calabar, Ikom, Obudu and Bekwarra.
For the salary and Exodus of nurses, the SA Nursing said, “We operate on CONMESS (Consolidated Medical Salary Structure). The state government gave approval for 70%, while the federal 100%. This 70% is based on what the state government can pay based on what we’re receiving and Labour accepted it.”
He clarified that those moving abroad are doing so because they want to, not because of the pay, adding, “Teaching Hospital that is paying 100%, people are still leaving the workforce – both doctors and nurses.”
He said it’s good to advocate for more, like Oliver Twist, “but that is not why people are leaving.”
Converseer reports that the State NANNM Chairman, Nurse Bassey encouraged all nurses in the State to remain steadfast, united, compassionate, and committed to the ethics of the profession. “Your sacrifices are seen, your impact is immeasurable, and your service remains vital to humanity. Continue to uphold the dignity and honour of nursing while advocating for a better healthcare system,” she said.
