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 (CNMF) Conference, West African Region, in Abuja.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, made the pledge on Tuesday at the State House, Abuja, during a courtesy visit by NANNM leadership ahead of the event.
Gbajabiamila highlighted the association’s role in consolidating reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration to revitalize Nigeria’s health sector. He congratulated NANNM for securing the hosting rights—the first time the event will be held in West Africa—and stressed the need for a clear implementation plan to guide government support.
“Congratulations on securing the hosting of this Commonwealth event in April next year. This is the first of its kind in the region. We wish you all the very best, and government will play whatever role it is positioned to play,” Gbajabiamila said. He also called for synergy between NANNM, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, to ensure seamless coordination.
Earlier, NANNM National President Haruna Mamman appealed for government support for the conference, scheduled for April 21–23, 2026. He noted that the event, which will attract nurses and midwives from 56 Commonwealth countries, will also be attended by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey.
Mamman said hosting the West African regional CNMF conference would benefit Nigeria and showcase the country’s leadership in healthcare. He requested government assistance in visa facilitation, financial support, and hosting of CNMF executives from the United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa. He also sought a courtesy visit to President Tinubu by the CNMF leadership and for the President to officially flag off the conference in April 2026.
“We are confident in President Tinubu’s political will to make Nigeria a reference nation in healthcare. This conference will further position Nigeria as a pride of the continent,” Mamman said.
It was reported that the CNMF conference will focus on strengthening healthcare systems, advancing nursing practice, and enhancing collaboration among Commonwealth member nations. Nigeria will be the first African country to host the regional event.
