The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, has unveiled plans to strengthen healthcare services and improve staff welfare by renovating the Commission’s clinic facilities and acquiring a larger healthcare centre for employees.
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.”
According to the Commission’s Daily Bulletin on Wednesday, 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 Guba Clinic,” he said.
He further revealed that the Commission was making arrangements to acquire a bigger clinic facility in Area 10, Abuja, to improve healthcare delivery for staff members.
“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.
Amupitan stressed that the nature of the Commission’s work exposes staff to significant risks, making healthcare support and staff welfare a priority.
“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, the INEC Chairman commended their professionalism, compassion, and commitment to caring for people across all segments 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 existing challenges.
“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,” Amupitan said.
The Chairman also urged nurses and medical personnel attached to the Commission to continue 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, Rhoda Gumus, described nursing as “a valuable profession to humanity,” and commended nurses for their contributions to healthcare delivery, disease prevention, and community wellbeing.
She said the celebration was aimed at raising awareness about the critical role nurses play in society while promoting recognition of their sacrifices and dedication to service.
Also speaking, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, congratulated nurses on the occasion and acknowledged their vital role in healthcare delivery.
The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute, Kunle Ajayi, described nursing as a critical profession that must continually be valued and honoured.
In her goodwill message, Rose Oriaran-Anthony praised nurses for their dedication, resilience, and compassion, noting that their service, though often unnoticed, continues to impact lives and strengthen healthcare delivery.
The Director of Health Services, Chinyere Ojedokun, also commended nurses for their commitment and dedication to duty.
In his keynote address, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Ndagi Alhassan, described this year’s theme as “a policy imperative, not a slogan,” stressing that nurses and midwives remain the backbone of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He outlined reforms being undertaken 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, presentation of awards to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Amupitan, Prof. Gumus, and Dr. 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, and members of the Commission’s Press Corps attended the event.
