By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has announced plans to enhance healthcare services and staff welfare within the Commission through the renovation of existing clinic facilities and the acquisition of a larger healthcare centre for employees.
The INEC Chairman disclosed this during the grand finale of the 2026 International Nurses Week celebration held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. The event was themed: “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
According to him, the decision followed reports highlighting the poor condition of some of the Commission’s clinic facilities, prompting immediate action to improve healthcare delivery for staff.
“Just a few days ago, I was informed about the poor condition of our clinic facilities, and I directed the appropriate department to carry out an assessment immediately. The report has been submitted, and due process has commenced for the renovation of the Kubwa Clinic,” he said.
Prof. Amupitan further revealed that the Commission was making arrangements to secure a bigger clinic facility in Area 10, Abuja, as part of broader efforts to strengthen medical services available to employees.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the Commission’s commitment to ensuring a healthy and productive workforce despite operational constraints.
“The nature of our work exposes staff to enormous risks. To maintain productivity and efficiency, we must also prioritise their health and wellbeing,” he stated.
The INEC Chairman described nurses as critical stakeholders in healthcare delivery, praising their professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication to service.
“You are the backbone of healthcare delivery, serving not only children and families but also workers, leaders, and the elderly across society,” he noted.
He assured nurses and other healthcare personnel serving within the Commission that staff welfare would remain a priority for the management.
Prof. Amupitan also urged medical personnel attached to the Commission to continue monitoring the health of management staff, National Commissioners, and employees to support effective service delivery.
In her remarks, National Commissioner and Chairperson of the Health and Welfare Committee, Rhoda Gumus, described nursing as a profession of immense value to humanity and commended nurses for their contributions to healthcare delivery and community wellbeing.
She stated that the celebration was aimed at recognising the sacrifices, resilience, and dedication of nurses while creating greater awareness of their indispensable role in society.
Also speaking, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, congratulated nurses on the celebration and acknowledged their vital role in sustaining quality healthcare services.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute (TEI), Kunle Ajayi, described nursing as a noble profession deserving continuous recognition and support.
In her goodwill message, Rose Oriaran-Anthony commended nurses for their resilience and commitment, noting that their often-unseen contributions continue to save lives and strengthen the healthcare system.
The Director of Health Services, Chinyere Ojedokun, also praised nurses for their dedication and commitment to duty.
Delivering the keynote address, the Registrar/CEO of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Ndagi Alhassan, described this year’s theme as “a policy imperative, not just a slogan,” stressing that nurses and midwives remain the backbone of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He highlighted ongoing reforms by the Council aimed at strengthening nursing practice, including curriculum development, accreditation reforms, digital licensing, continuing professional development, workforce regulation, and policy advocacy.
Highlights of the event included a tribute to Florence Nightingale for her contributions to modern nursing practice, presentation of awards to senior officials of the Commission, and recognition of retired nurses for meritorious service.
The event was attended by National Commissioners, Directors of the Commission, technical aides to the Chairman, members of the Health Services Department, representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and members of the Commission’s Press Corps.
