Assignment ND1 – Ethics & Jurisprudence
Title: Nursing Legislation & Nursing Practice Act – Nigeria
Due Date: 14 August 2025
1. Introduction
Nursing legislation forms the legal and ethical backbone of the nursing profession in
Nigeria. It defines the scope of practice, outlines the standards of education and
professional conduct, and provides mechanisms for accountability. Without such a
framework, patient safety, public trust, and professional integrity would be compromised
(Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, 2023). The development of nursing legislation
in Nigeria has been influenced by both colonial and post-independence health reforms,
culminating in the creation of a unified regulatory body tasked with protecting the health of
the population through the promotion of high standards in nursing and midwifery practice.
2. Historical Evolution of Nursing Legislation in Nigeria
The origins of nursing legislation in Nigeria can be traced to the early 20th century when
colonial administrators recognized the need for structured healthcare delivery. The first
significant milestone was the Midwives Ordinance of 1930, which established the
Midwives Board of Nigeria. This body was responsible for setting training requirements,
approving midwifery schools, conducting examinations, maintaining an official register,
and disciplining practitioners found guilty of professional misconduct (Ogunlesi, 1983). The
Ordinance was later replaced by the Midwives Act of 1966, which retained most of these
provisions but adapted them to changing healthcare needs.
In August 1947, the Nurses Ordinance was enacted, leading to the creation of the Nurses
Council of Nigeria. Its core mandate was to regulate nursing education, certify
practitioners, and ensure ethical conduct within the profession. For decades, the Midwives
Board and the Nurses Council functioned independently, creating a dual system of
regulation that eventually proved inefficient in addressing the increasingly complex
demands of healthcare delivery.
To streamline regulatory oversight, the Federal Government enacted the Nursing and
Midwifery Decree No. 89 of 1979. This historic decree merged the two bodies to form the
Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) as a single statutory authority. This
move centralized professional regulation, ensuring consistency in educational standards,
licensing, and disciplinary measures across the country (Federal Republic of Nigeria,
1979).
Title: Nursing Legislation & Nursing Practice Act – Nigeria
Due Date: 14 August 2025
1. Introduction
Nursing legislation forms the legal and ethical backbone of the nursing profession in
Nigeria. It defines the scope of practice, outlines the standards of education and
professional conduct, and provides mechanisms for accountability. Without such a
framework, patient safety, public trust, and professional integrity would be compromised
(Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, 2023). The development of nursing legislation
in Nigeria has been influenced by both colonial and post-independence health reforms,
culminating in the creation of a unified regulatory body tasked with protecting the health of
the population through the promotion of high standards in nursing and midwifery practice.
2. Historical Evolution of Nursing Legislation in Nigeria
The origins of nursing legislation in Nigeria can be traced to the early 20th century when
colonial administrators recognized the need for structured healthcare delivery. The first
significant milestone was the Midwives Ordinance of 1930, which established the
Midwives Board of Nigeria. This body was responsible for setting training requirements,
approving midwifery schools, conducting examinations, maintaining an official register,
and disciplining practitioners found guilty of professional misconduct (Ogunlesi, 1983). The
Ordinance was later replaced by the Midwives Act of 1966, which retained most of these
provisions but adapted them to changing healthcare needs.
In August 1947, the Nurses Ordinance was enacted, leading to the creation of the Nurses
Council of Nigeria. Its core mandate was to regulate nursing education, certify
practitioners, and ensure ethical conduct within the profession. For decades, the Midwives
Board and the Nurses Council functioned independently, creating a dual system of
regulation that eventually proved inefficient in addressing the increasingly complex
demands of healthcare delivery.
To streamline regulatory oversight, the Federal Government enacted the Nursing and
Midwifery Decree No. 89 of 1979. This historic decree merged the two bodies to form the
Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) as a single statutory authority. This
move centralized professional regulation, ensuring consistency in educational standards,
licensing, and disciplinary measures across the country (Federal Republic of Nigeria,
1979).
