ABUJA, Nigeria — The head of Nigeria’s electoral body has promised a significant upgrade to healthcare facilities for staff, describing the commission’s nursing workforce as the “bedrock” of its operations.
Speaking at the grand finale of the 2026 Nurses Week on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan SAN, announced plans to relocate and re-equip the commission’s medical facilities to boost staff productivity.
The event, which coincided with International Nurses Day, was held under the theme: “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
New Facilities on the Horizon
Professor Amupitan acknowledged the “difficult conditions” under which medical staff often operate and revealed a two-pronged strategy to improve the commission’s health infrastructure:
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Renovation work has already begun on the current INEC clinic, with new medical equipment being procured.
- Expansion: The Chairman disclosed that the commission has resolved to acquire a larger facility for its Area 10 clinic in Abuja to ensure “more effective and efficient” service delivery.
“If you want a productive workforce, you must think about their health,” the Chairman stated, adding that the commission is committed to staff welfare despite existing constraints.
The ‘Backbone’ of Care
The Head of the Nursing Unit, Nurse Mercy Ogunleye, described the clinic as a “safe haven” for staff and their families, praising the clinical expertise and compassion of her team.
This sentiment was echoed by National Commissioner Prof. Rhoda Gumus, who chairs the Health and Welfare Committee. “Nursing is a work of the heart,” she told the gathering. “You are serving humanity and serving God.”
The Future of the Profession
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Ndagi Alhassan, Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, who highlighted the strategic reforms being taken to advance the profession nationwide.
- Regulatory Action: Dr. Alhassan noted that every nursing intervention is an act of “courage and competence”.
- National Importance: He stressed that the future of the Nigerian healthcare system depends heavily on the strength and empowerment of its nursing workforce.
The week-long celebration, which began on 6 May with a public enlightenment road walk, concluded with awards presented to retired nurses for their years of meritorious service and to the INEC leadership for their ongoing support of the medical department.
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