NMCN Rakes in Billions as Nigerian Nurses Flock Abroad: The Untold Story of Verification Fees


Posted on: Mon 14-07-2025

In recent years, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has seen a substantial increase in revenue from the verification of Nigerian nurses seeking to work abroad. This surge is directly linked to the growing number of nurses migrating in search of better opportunities.

The Verification Process

Before Nigerian nurses can practice abroad, they must undergo a verification process conducted by the NMCN. This process ensures that their qualifications and credentials meet international standards. Each verification costs 68,875 Naira, a fee that has contributed significantly to the council's revenue. Over the past three years, more than 42,000 Nigerian nurses have migrated abroad. In 2023 alone, 15,000 nurses left the country. This mass exodus has not only highlighted the challenges within the Nigerian healthcare system but also underscored the financial benefits for the NMCN through the verification fees. Given the verification fee of 68,875 Naira per nurse, the NMCN has generated substantial revenue from this process. The total revenue from the verification of 42,000 nurses amounts to approximately 2.89 billion Naira. This significant income stream has provided the council with additional resources to enhance its operations and support the nursing profession in Nigeria

Impact on the Nursing Community

While the revenue generated is substantial, the migration of such a large number of nurses has had a profound impact on the Nigerian healthcare system. The loss of skilled professionals has created gaps in the workforce, leading to increased workloads for those who remain. However, the NMCN continues to play a crucial role in ensuring that Nigerian nurses are well-prepared and qualified to meet international standards.

nmcn generating revenue from nurse verifications

As the trend of migration continues, the NMCN is expected to maintain its role in the verification process, ensuring that Nigerian nurses can pursue their careers abroad. The council's efforts to streamline and improve the verification process will be essential in supporting the aspirations of Nigerian nurses while also generating revenue to further its mission.

The NMCN has significantly benefited from the verification fees of Nigerian nurses migrating abroad, generating approximately 2.89 billion Naira over the past three years. This revenue is crucial for the council's operations and its efforts to uphold the standards of nursing education and practice in Nigeria. As the migration trend persists, the NMCN's role remains vital in facilitating the professional growth of Nigerian nurses on the global stage.