Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has restated the FCT Administration's dedication to bolstering the nursing and midwifery profession, describing it as a vital foundation of effective healthcare delivery.
Mahmoud made this known during the Biennial Conference of the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation, held at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre.
She hailed nurses and midwives as the bedrock of health systems, underscoring their irreplaceable role in frontline care and the enhancement of patient outcomes.
According to the minister, the active participation of member nations at the conference signals a collective resolve to elevate healthcare services and strengthen international cooperation.
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"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 said.
She observed that the conference is taking place at a pivotal moment, as global health systems grapple with emerging disease patterns, staffing shortages, and increasing pressure to deliver equitable, high-quality care.
In response, she called for sustained investment in training, better working conditions, and more robust institutional backing.
Mahmoud reaffirmed that the FCT Administration would stay committed to policies and programmes that enhance workforce skills and expand access to modern healthcare facilities.
She stressed that empowering nurses and midwives is fundamental to reaching universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The minister also praised the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation for its persistent advocacy, professional development efforts, and promotion of best practices across member countries.
She described the Federation's role in encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing as priceless.
She urged conference attendees to use the platform for meaningful dialogue, innovation, and building partnerships aimed at reinforcing healthcare systems throughout the Commonwealth.
In his welcome address, the national president of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Comrade Haruna Mamman, acknowledged that the unwavering support and endorsement of President Bola Tinubu's administration had been the cornerstone enabling the global event to take place.
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"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," he said.
He further described nurses and midwives as the backbone of every health system and affirmed that the conference would act as a catalyst for change, a beacon of hope, and a powerful voice for the nursing and midwifery profession worldwide.
