The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to strengthening the nursing and midwifery profession as a critical pillar of healthcare delivery.
Mahmoud gave the assurance at the Biennial Conference of the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation, held at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
She described nurses and midwives as the backbone of healthcare systems, highlighting their indispensable role in providing frontline services and improving health outcomes.
“As a medical practitioner, I recognise 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 stressed.
The Minister noted that the conference was being held at a critical time, when health systems globally are facing evolving challenges, including emerging disease patterns, workforce shortages, and increasing demand for equitable, high-quality healthcare.
She emphasised the need for sustained investment in capacity building, improved working conditions, and stronger institutional support for health workers.
Mahmoud reiterated that the FCT Administration remains committed to implementing policies and programmes that promote workforce development and expand access to modern healthcare infrastructure.
“Empowering nurses and midwives is essential to achieving universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals,” she affirmed.
She commended the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation for its advocacy, professional development initiatives, and efforts to promote best practices across member countries, noting that its role in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange remains vital.
The Minister urged participants to leverage the conference as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and partnership-building aimed at strengthening healthcare systems across the Commonwealth.
In his welcome remarks, the National President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Comrade Haruna Mamman, said the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration made hosting the global event possible.
“Your presence and support for this conference underscore your commitment to not just Nigerian healthcare, but to global health solidarity,” he stated.
“From strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure to advancing health insurance coverage, and prioritising the welfare of health workers, your tenure is already leaving an indelible mark,” he added.
Mamman described nurses and midwives as the backbone of every health system, expressing confidence that the conference would serve as a catalyst for change and a platform to advance the profession globally.