By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has unveiled plans by the Commission to strengthen healthcare services and improve staff welfare through the renovation of existing clinic facilities and the acquisition of a bigger healthcare centre for employees.
Professor Amupitan disclosed this at the grand finale of the 2026 International Nurses Week celebration held at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, with the theme, “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
The INEC Chairman said the decision followed reports on the poor condition of the Commission’s clinic facilities, adding that the process for renovation had already commenced.
“Just a few days ago, I was told of the poor condition of our clinic, and I immediately directed the relevant department to evaluate it. A report has been submitted, and I have ordered the commencement of due process for the renovation of the Kubwa Clinic,” he said.
Professor Amupitan further disclosed that the Commission was working towards acquiring a bigger clinic facility in Area 10, Abuja, to enhance healthcare delivery for members of staff.
“When I made the proposal at the National Assembly, some people thought we were building a hospital. But it is part of our commitment to ensure that the little we have is functional and efficient,” he stated.
The INEC Chairman stressed that the nature of the Commission’s operations exposes personnel to enormous risks, making healthcare support and staff welfare critical to institutional productivity and efficiency.
“People do not understand the role of INEC and the risks involved in our work. We are exposed to so much risk. If you want to have a productive workforce, you also have to think about their health,” he added.
Describing nurses as the “bedrock” of healthcare delivery, Professor Amupitan commended their dedication, professionalism, and compassion in caring for people across all sectors of society.
“You are indeed the bedrock not just for children and adolescents, but also for the workforce, the elderly, and leaders of this country,” he said.
He assured nurses serving in the Commission that INEC would continue to prioritise staff welfare despite prevailing constraints.
“I want to assure you that the Commission is determined to enhance the welfare of staff and nurses. All we ask is for you to continue to pray for us to succeed,” he stated.
The Chairman also urged nurses and medical personnel attached to the Commission to sustain efforts in monitoring the health of management staff, National Commissioners, and employees to ensure effective service delivery.
In her opening remarks, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Health and Welfare Committee, Professor Rhoda Gumus, described nursing as “a valuable profession to humanity,” commending nurses for their immense contributions to healthcare delivery, disease prevention, and community wellbeing.
She explained that the celebration was aimed at raising awareness on the important role nurses play in society while promoting recognition of their sacrifices and dedication to service.
In his goodwill message, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mallam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, congratulated nurses on the celebration and acknowledged their critical role in healthcare delivery.
Also speaking, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute (TEI), Professor Kunle Ajayi, described nursing as a vital profession that must continually be valued and honoured.
In her goodwill message, the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, appreciated nurses for their dedication, resilience, and compassion, noting that their services continue to impact lives and strengthen healthcare delivery despite often going unnoticed.
The Director of Health Services, Dr. Chinyere Ojedokun, also recognised the vital role nurses play within the healthcare system and commended them for their dedication and commitment to duty.
Delivering the keynote address, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Ndagi Alhassan, described the theme for this year’s celebration as “a policy imperative, not a slogan,” stressing that nurses and midwives remain the backbone of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He outlined reforms being implemented by the Council to strengthen nursing practice, including curriculum development, accreditation, digital licensing reforms, 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 the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, Professor Rhoda Gumus, and Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, as well as recognition of retired nurses of the Commission for meritorious service.
National Commissioners, Directors of the Commission, technical aides to the Chairman, members of the INEC Health Services Department, representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and members of the Commission’s Press Corps were among dignitaries present at the event.
