The Cross River State Government has inaugurated the State Committee on Nursing and Midwifery, bringing an end to a 12-year hiatus and reaffirming its commitment to improving healthcare regulation and professional standards.
The committee was officially inaugurated on March 31, 2026, by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, during a ceremony held at his office in Calabar.
This reconstitution marks the first time the statutory body—an arm of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)—has been active since June 2014. The 21-member committee is tasked with overseeing nursing registration, professional conduct, and training standards across the state.
Dr. Ayuk described the move as a significant step toward strengthening the healthcare system, emphasizing the critical role nurses play in medical practice and patient care.
“The people who taught me medical practice were nurses. I learned basic techniques from them, and I remain deeply appreciative of their dedication,” he said.
He also revealed that the state has stepped up recruitment in the health sector, noting that nearly 100 nurses have recently been added, with more hiring underway.
“If you are double-qualified, you are automatic. Apply to us and the Civil Service Commission will employ you,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Jonah Bassey Offor, stressed the need for collaboration among health professionals to enhance service delivery.
“Doctors and nurses must work in synergy to ensure patient safety. I will provide the committee with all the support needed to maintain the highest standards of care across facilities,” he said.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, Dr. Coco-Bassey Esu, highlighted the administration’s strong commitment to the nursing profession, noting that the state uniquely has both a Special Adviser and Special Assistant dedicated to nursing.
The Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Roseline Obojor-Ogar, described the inauguration as a long-awaited milestone, noting that the committee had not been constituted since June 27, 2014.
A retired nursing leader, Mrs. Margaret Armon, also praised the move, stating that it would strengthen nursing practice and extend healthcare services to grassroots communities.
The committee comprises 21 members drawn from various sectors of the health system, including government agencies, clinical institutions, academia, and professional bodies.
It is expected to provide effective regulatory oversight, improve nursing education, and promote professionalism across healthcare facilities in the state.
