FG pledges support for nurses, Midwives on Commonwealth conference

By Egena Sunday Ode

The Federal Government has pledged to support the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation Conference (CNMF), West African Region, in Abuja.
Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, stated this on Tuesday at the State House, Abuja, when the leadership of the association paid him a courtesy visit ahead of the event.
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila reiterated the Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to healthcare reforms, noting that health remains one of the government’s top priorities. Gbajabiamila cited several recent achievements, including the revitalization of primary healthcare centres, the expansion of national health insurance coverage from 20 million to 60 million Nigerians, and increased investment in health infrastructure and manpower development.
A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye said Gbajabiamila congratulated the association for securing the hosting right, the first in West Africa, and emphasised the need for a clear implementation plan to guide government support.
“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.
“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,” Gbajabiamila was quoted to have said.He also called for synergy between the association, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, for seamless coordination
Earlier, the National President of NANNM, Comrade Haruna Mamman, appealed for government’s support in hosting the conference scheduled for April 20 to 24, 2026.