By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
THE FEDERAL Government has pledged its full support to the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) for the successful hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation (CNMF) Conference, West African Region, scheduled to take place in Abuja.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, gave the assurance on Tuesday at the State House, Abuja, when the leadership of the association paid him a courtesy visit ahead of the event.
Gbajabiamila reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to healthcare reforms, stressing that health remains one of the government’s foremost priorities.
According to him, the administration has made significant progress in healthcare delivery, citing the revitalisation of primary healthcare centres, expansion of national health insurance coverage from 20 million to 60 million Nigerians, and increased investment in health infrastructure and manpower development.
Gbajabiamila congratulated the association for securing the hosting rights, describing it as a milestone achievement for Nigeria and the first of its kind in West Africa.
He emphasised the need for a clear implementation plan to guide government support and ensure a seamless process leading to the conference.
“Thank you for taking the time to come and inform us on what you’re doing. Congratulations that you will be hosting this Commonwealth event in April next year, the first of its kind.
We wish you all the very best, and undoubtedly, government will play whatever role it deems fit and is in a position to play,” Gbajabiamila stated.
He underscored the importance of coordination between the association and relevant ministries, urging NANNM to submit a clear roadmap outlining their progress, upcoming activities, and execution strategies ahead of the conference.
“I think it’s important if this office can get a clear plan as to where you are, the roadmap to April, what you’ve done, and how you intend to execute it,” he said.
The Chief of Staff further called for synergy between the association, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, to ensure proper alignment and coordination.
Earlier, the National President of NANNM, Comrade Haruna Mamman, appealed for government support to host the conference, scheduled to hold from April 20 to 24, 2026.
He said the hosting of the West African regional CNMF conference would benefit Nigeria and highlight the country’s leadership in healthcare delivery and professional development.
Mamman explained that the event is expected to attract nurses and midwives from 56 Commonwealth nations and will be attended by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey.
He stated that the hosting aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and would promote professional excellence, international collaboration, and investment in the health sector.
According to him, the conference provides an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s advancements in healthcare practice, promote the welfare of nursing professionals, and strengthen ties across Commonwealth nations.
Mamman requested the Federal Government’s assistance in visa facilitation, financial support, and logistics to host CNMF executives from the United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa.
He also sought approval for a courtesy visit to President Tinubu by the CNMF leadership and for the President to officially flag off the conference in April 2026.
“We are not in doubt of the political will of Mr. President to make Nigeria a reference nation to others. We believe this conference will further make Nigeria a pride of the continent,” Mamman stated.
The CNMF conference, according to the association, is designed to focus on strengthening healthcare systems, advancing nursing and midwifery practice, and fostering collaboration across Commonwealth member states.
The event is expected to provide a platform for nurses and midwives to share experiences, exchange ideas, and develop strategies to tackle pressing healthcare challenges within the Commonwealth.
It also seeks to enhance the professional development of healthcare practitioners while promoting Nigeria’s image as a leader in health sector advancement across the region.
Government officials at the State House reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote healthcare excellence, workforce training, and international partnerships aimed at achieving universal health coverage and sustainable development goals.
Gbajabiamila assured that with adequate coordination between the Federal Government and NANNM, the 2026 CNMF Conference in Abuja would not only be successful but would also project Nigeria as a strong player in the global health community.
He concluded by reiterating that the Federal Government recognises the crucial role of nurses and midwives in national development and will continue to support efforts aimed at improving their welfare, training, and professional visibility both locally and internationally.
