November 4, 2025 – Abuja, Nigeria
The Federal Government has pledged to support the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in hosting the Commonwealth Nurses Conference for the West African Region in 2026. The international event is scheduled to take place in Abuja, marking the first time it will be hosted in West Africa.
Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, made this known on Tuesday at the State House, Abuja, when the leadership of NANNM paid him a courtesy visit ahead of the Commonwealth Nurses Conference. The assurance was contained in a statement by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information and Public Relations, State House.
Gbajabiamila reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s strong commitment to healthcare reforms, noting that improving health services remains one of the government’s top priorities. He highlighted major strides including the revitalization of primary healthcare centres, expansion of health insurance coverage from 20 million to 60 million Nigerians, and increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and manpower.
The Chief of Staff congratulated NANNM for securing the hosting rights of the Commonwealth Nurses Conference, emphasizing that the milestone reflects Nigeria’s growing leadership in the health sector. He urged the association to provide a clear implementation roadmap to ensure government’s timely and effective support.
“Congratulations on hosting this historic Commonwealth event next April, the first of its kind in West Africa,” Gbajabiamila said. “The Federal Government will provide necessary support within its capacity, and we look forward to a detailed roadmap leading to the conference.”
He also encouraged collaboration between NANNM, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, to ensure seamless organization of the Commonwealth Nurses Conference.
Earlier, the National President of NANNM, Comrade Haruna Mamman, appealed for government assistance in visa facilitation, financial support, and logistics for the April 20–24, 2026 event. He noted that the Commonwealth Nurses Conference would attract participants from 56 Commonwealth countries, including the Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey.
Mamman explained that hosting the Commonwealth Nurses Conference would not only benefit Nigeria but also project the country’s image as a leader in healthcare innovation and collaboration. He added that the event aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes professional excellence, human capacity development, and global partnership in the health sector.
He also requested an opportunity for the CNMF leadership to pay a courtesy visit to President Tinubu and for the President to officially flag off the conference in April 2026.
“We are confident in Mr. President’s political will to make Nigeria a reference point for others. This Commonwealth Nurses Conference will further position Nigeria as a pride of the African continent,” Mamman stated.
The 2026 Commonwealth Nurses Conference will focus on strengthening healthcare systems, advancing nursing and midwifery practice, and enhancing professional collaboration across member nations. Visit GMTNewsng for more news.
