The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has announced plans to strengthen healthcare services and improve staff welfare through the renovation of existing clinic facilities and the acquisition of a larger healthcare centre for employees.
Prof. Amupitan made the disclosure during the grand finale of the 2026 International Nurses Week celebration held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The event was themed, “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
According to the INEC Chairman, the decision followed reports highlighting the poor condition of the Commission’s clinic facilities. He stated that due process for the renovation of the Kubwa Clinic had already commenced.
He further revealed that the Commission was working towards acquiring a bigger clinic facility in Area 10, Abuja, to enhance healthcare delivery for staff members.
Prof. Amupitan noted that the nature of INEC’s responsibilities exposes staff to significant risks, stressing that healthcare and welfare support remain essential for maintaining a productive workforce.
Describing nurses as the “bedrock” of healthcare delivery, he commended their professionalism, dedication, and compassion in caring for people across different sectors of society.
The INEC Chairman also assured nurses and employees that the Commission would continue to prioritise staff welfare despite existing constraints, while urging healthcare personnel attached to the Commission to sustain efforts in monitoring the health of management staff, National Commissioners, and workers.
In her remarks, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Health and Welfare Committee, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, described nursing as a valuable profession to humanity and praised nurses for their contributions to healthcare delivery, disease prevention, and community wellbeing.
Also speaking, 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 services.
The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, described nursing as a critical profession that must continue to be valued and honoured.
Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, in her goodwill message, commended nurses for their resilience, compassion, and dedication to service, noting that their contributions continue to strengthen healthcare delivery.
The Director of Health Services, Dr. Chinyere Ojedokun, also recognised the vital role nurses play within the healthcare system and applauded their 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 2026 Nurses Week theme as “a policy imperative, not a slogan,” adding 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, digital licensing reforms, workforce regulation, policy advocacy, and continuous professional development.
Highlights of the event included a tribute to Florence Nightingale for her contributions to modern nursing, presentation of awards to Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, and Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, as well as recognition of retired nurses of the Commission for meritorious service.
The event was attended by 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.
