The Federal Government has pledged full support to the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) as the nation prepares to host the 2026 Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation (CNMF) Conference for the West African region in Abuja the first time the event will hold in West Africa.
Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, made the commitment Tuesday during a courtesy visit by NANNM leadership at the State House, Abuja. He reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s priority on healthcare reforms, noting landmark achievements such as the revitalization of primary healthcare centres, expansion of national health insurance coverage from 20 million to 60 million Nigerians, and continued investment in infrastructure and medical personnel.
Gbajabiamila congratulated the association for securing the hosting rights and assured that government will provide support to ensure successful delivery. He, however, called for a clear implementation roadmap ahead of the April 20–24, 2026 event to guide effective government intervention.
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“We wish you all the very best, and undoubtedly, government will play whatever role it deems fit and is in a position to play,” he said. “It’s important that this office receives a clear plan — the roadmap to April, what you’ve done, and how you intend to execute it.”
He also emphasized coordination between NANNM, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, to ensure seamless planning.
Earlier, NANNM President, Comrade Haruna Mamman, appealed for visa facilitation, financial support, accommodation, and logistics assistance in hosting CNMF executives and delegates from the United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa. He also requested a courtesy visit to President Tinubu by the CNMF leadership and for the President to flag off the conference.
Mamman said the gathering expected to attract nurses and midwives from 56 Commonwealth nations alongside the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and will showcase Nigeria’s leadership in healthcare reforms.
The 2026 CNMF conference will focus on strengthening health systems, boosting nursing practice, and deepening international cooperation across the Commonwealth.