The Federal Capital Territory Administration has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening nursing and midwifery practice, as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery across the territory.
This assurance was given by the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, at the Biennial Conference of the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation held in Abuja, where she described nurses and midwives as essential to frontline service delivery.
Mahmoud, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, was quoted saying that, “As a medical practitioner, I recognize that nurses and midwives are often the first point of contact for patients and, in many cases, the most consistent providers of care. Their dedication, compassion, and professionalism continue to save lives daily.”
She noted that the conference is taking place at a time when health systems, globally, are confronting new disease patterns, workforce shortages and increasing demand for equitable healthcare.
She stressed the need for increased investment in capacity building, better working conditions and stronger institutional support.
The statement added that the administration remains committed to policies and programmes that promote workforce development and expand access to modern healthcare infrastructure, saying these are essential to achieving universal health coverage and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.
The minister also commended the federation for its advocacy, professional development programmes and role in promoting best practices across member countries.
In his welcome remarks, the National President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Comrade Haruna Mamman, credited the hosting of the global event to the backing of the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, “Your presence and support for this conference underscore your commitment to not just Nigerian healthcare, but to global health solidarity.
“From strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure to advancing health insurance coverage, and prioritizing the welfare of health workers, your tenure is already leaving an indelible mark.”
Mamman described nurses and midwives as the backbone of health systems worldwide and expressed optimism that the conference would help drive reforms, enhance collaboration and strengthen the profession across the Commonwealth.
