FG pledges support for nurses, midwives to host 2026 Commonwealth conference

By Kunle Sanni –

The Federal Government has pledged full support to the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) as the body prepares to host the 2026 Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation (CNMF) West African Regional Conference in Abuja.

Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received the leadership of NANNM at the State House, Abuja.

Gbajabiamila affirmed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to comprehensive healthcare reforms, describing health as one of the government’s top priorities.

He listed some of the government’s recent achievements in the health sector, including the revitalization of primary healthcare centres, the expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme from 20 million to 60 million Nigerians, and increased investments in health infrastructure and manpower development.

While congratulating NANNM for winning the bid to host the CNMF conference—the first of its kind in West Africa—Gbajabiamila emphasized the need for a detailed implementation roadmap to guide the government’s support.

“Congratulations on your hosting of this Commonwealth event in April next year, the first of its kind. We wish you all the very best, and undoubtedly, the government will play whatever role it deems fit and is able to play,” he said.

The Chief of Staff also called for close collaboration between NANNM, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, to ensure seamless coordination of preparations.

Earlier, the National President of NANNM, Comrade Haruna Mamman, had appealed for government support in facilitating visas, providing financial assistance, and hosting CNMF executives from the United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa.