Nursing Consultancy in Nigeria: Why It Matters and Why Collaboration Is Essential Written by: Health Contributor
Nigeria’s healthcare system continues to face significant challenges, including workforce shortages, rising patient complexity, and the migration of skilled professionals. In response to these realities, the approval of nursing consultancy represents a progressive and timely intervention aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, professional development, and patient outcomes nationwide.
Appreciation to the Federal Government
Nurses across Nigeria have jubilated and expressed gratitude to the Federal Government of Niger’s under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in conjunction with the appropriate and credible council on establishment, for approving the nursing consultancy cadre in federal civil service.This decision reflects a commitment to healthcare reform, professional inclusiveness, and alignment with global best practices.
The approval of nursing consultancy is viewed not merely as professional advancement for nurses, but as a strategic policy move designed to enhance patient care, strengthen clinical leadership, and retain highly experienced nursing professionals within the public healthcare system.
What Is Nursing Consultancy?
Nursing consultancy refers to the recognition of highly experienced and specially trained nurses who provide advanced clinical leadership, expert nursing care, mentorship, research contributions, and system-level support within healthcare institutions. Consultant nurses operate strictly within the nursing scope of practice and do not replace doctors or other healthcare professionals.
This model is well established in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia, where nursing consultants have been shown to improve patient outcomes, care coordination, and multidisciplinary teamwork.
Why Nursing Consultancy Is Important for Nigeria
The introduction of nursing consultancy offers several benefits to the Nigerian healthcare system, including:
- Advanced nursing care for complex and high-risk patients
- Stronger mentorship and leadership for junior nurses
- Improved patient safety, continuity of care, and service quality
- Contributions to research, audits, and evidence-based practice
- Reduced pressure on doctors through effective nursing-led care
Importantly, the consultancy pathway provides a clear career progression structure for nurses, helping to reduce burnout, curb brain drain, and improve morale within the workforce.
Encouraging Professional Participation
To ensure that nursing consultancy achieves its intended objectives, we respectfully call on the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to encourage eligible and qualified nurses to pursue the consultancy pathway. Active participation by competent professionals will help ensure that standards are upheld and that the expectations of government, healthcare institutions, and the public are fully met.
Addressing Concerns and Promoting Collaboration
Concerns expressed by some professional groups, including members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), highlight the need for continued dialogue and mutual understanding. Nursing consultancy does not undermine or encroach upon medical roles; rather, it complements them within a multidisciplinary healthcare framework.
Modern healthcare thrives on collaboration, clearly defined roles, and mutual respect. Sustainable progress can only be achieved when all healthcare professionals work together in the best interest of patients.
Putting Patients First
At the heart of this initiative is the Nigerian patient. Policies that promote leadership, professional development, and teamwork ultimately improve patient safety, quality of care, and health outcomes. Nursing consultancy is not about hierarchy or competition, but about building a stronger, more resilient healthcare system.
Conclusion
The approval of nursing consultancy marks a positive step forward for Nigeria’s healthcare system. Nurses appreciate the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the credible council on establishment for this important decision. Moving forward, continued collaboration among all healthcare professionals — alongside active engagement by NANNM in encouraging eligible candidates — will be essential to the successful implementation of this initiative.
Nigeria’s healthcare challenges require unity, professionalism, and shared purpose. Progress is best achieved when all stakeholders work together in the interest of patients.
photo credit:NANNM