Abuja: 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, Femi Gbajabiamila, announced this commitment during a meeting at the State House, Abuja, when the leadership of the association paid him a courtesy visit ahead of the event.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Gbajabiamila emphasized the significance of the association in strengthening the reforms initiated by the President Tinubu administration to revitalize Nigeria’s health sector. He congratulated the association for securing the hosting rights, marking a first for West Africa, and stressed the need for a clear plan to implement government support effectively.
During the meeting, Gbajabiamila said, “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.”
He also called for collaboration between the association, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, to ensure smooth coordination.
Earlier, the National President of NANNM, Haruna Mamman, requested government support for the conference scheduled for April 20 to 24, 2026. He noted that hosting the West African regional CNMF conference would benefit Nigeria and highlight the country’s leadership in healthcare.
Mamman disclosed that the event would attract nurses and midwives from 56 Commonwealth countries and would also be attended by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey. He mentioned that the conference aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promoting professional excellence and international collaboration in the health sector.
He appealed for Federal Government assistance in areas such as visa facilitation, financial support, and hosting CNMF executives from the United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa. Mamman also requested a courtesy visit to President Tinubu by the CNMF leadership and for the President to officially inaugurate the conference in April 2026.
“We are not in doubt of the political will of Mr. President to make Nigeria a reference nation to others. We believe this conference will further make Nigeria a pride of the continent,” Mamman stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the CNMF conference is expected to focus on strengthening healthcare systems, advancing nursing practice, and enhancing collaboration across Commonwealth member nations. The conference will take place from April 21 to April 23, 2026, with Nigeria being the first African nation to host the regional conference.