The Federal Government has pledged its full support to the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) for the successful hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation (CNMF) Conference, West African Region, scheduled to hold in Abuja.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, made the pledge on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the NANNM leadership to the State House, Abuja.
In a statement issued by the State House Director of Information and Public Relations, Abiodun Oladunjoye, Gbajabiamila reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening the health sector, which he described as a cornerstone of the government’s development agenda.
He cited notable strides in the sector, including the revitalisation of primary healthcare centres nationwide, the expansion of national health insurance coverage from 20 million to 60 million Nigerians, and increased investments in health infrastructure and workforce development.
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Congratulating the association on securing the hosting rights—the first of its kind in West Africa—Gbajabiamila stressed the importance of collaboration and planning to ensure a successful 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,” he said.
“We wish you all the very best, and undoubtedly, the government will play whatever role it deems fit and is in a position to play. 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.”
The Chief of Staff also called for synergy between the association, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Coordinating Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, to ensure seamless coordination.
Earlier, the NANNM National President, Comrade Haruna Mamman, commended the government’s ongoing health reforms and appealed for further support ahead of the international event, slated for 20–24 April 2026.
Mamman explained that the conference, expected to attract delegates from 56 Commonwealth countries, would showcase Nigeria’s leadership in healthcare and align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He disclosed that the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Botchwey, is expected to attend, alongside other global health leaders.
“We are not in doubt of the political will of Mr President to make Nigeria a reference nation to others,” Mamman said. “We believe this conference will further make Nigeria a pride of the continent.”
He requested government assistance with visa facilitation, financial support, and hospitality arrangements for CNMF executives from the United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa. Mamman also proposed that President Tinubu officially flag off the event during a courtesy visit by CNMF leadership next year.
The 2026 CNMF Conference aims to strengthen healthcare systems, advance nursing practice, and foster collaboration among Commonwealth member nations in tackling emerging health challenges.
