The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmoud, has reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening nursing and midwifery as a vital component of effective healthcare delivery.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, by her Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue.
Mahmoud spoke at the biennial conference of the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation, held at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, where she described nurses and midwives as the backbone of healthcare systems.
According to her, the two professions play a central role in delivering frontline services and improving patient outcomes, often serving as the first and most consistent point of care.
“As a medical practitioner, I understand that nurses and midwives are frequently the first contact for patients and, in many cases, the most constant caregivers.
“Their dedication, compassion, and professionalism save lives every day,” she said.
She noted that the conference is coming at a critical period when global health systems are facing increasing pressure from emerging diseases, workforce shortages, and rising demand for accessible and quality healthcare.
In response to these challenges, Mahmoud stressed the importance of sustained investment in training, better working conditions, and stronger institutional frameworks to support healthcare professionals.
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She reaffirmed that the FCT Administration remains focused on implementing policies and programmes that enhance workforce capacity and expand access to modern healthcare infrastructure.
According to her, empowering nurses and midwives is key to achieving universal health coverage and meeting the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mahmoud also commended the federation for its continued advocacy, professional development efforts, and promotion of best practices across member countries, describing its role in strengthening global collaboration as significant.
She urged participants to use the conference as a platform for meaningful engagement, innovation, and partnerships that can drive improvements in healthcare systems across the Commonwealth.
National President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Haruna Mamman, attributed the successful hosting of the international conference to the support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He said the government’s backing reflects a strong commitment not only to Nigeria’s healthcare system but also to global health cooperation.
Mamman highlighted ongoing efforts to improve primary healthcare infrastructure, expand health insurance coverage, and prioritise the welfare of health workers, noting that these initiatives are already making a positive impact.
He described nurses and midwives as indispensable to every healthcare system and expressed confidence that the conference would serve as a catalyst for progress, innovation, and stronger advocacy for the profession worldwide.
