INEC Chairman Unveils Plans to Upgrade Staff Healthcare Facilities, Welfare
Oru Leonard
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 INEC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event themed, “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” the INEC Chairman said the Commission had already commenced due process for the renovation of its Kubwa clinic following reports about the poor condition of the facility.
According to him, the Commission is also working towards acquiring a bigger clinic facility in Area 10, Abuja, to provide improved healthcare services for staff members.
“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 said.
Prof. Amupitan described nurses as the “bedrock” of healthcare delivery and commended their professionalism, dedication, and compassion in caring for people across all sectors of society.
He assured nurses and staff of the Commission’s commitment to improving welfare despite existing constraints, while urging medical personnel attached to INEC to continue monitoring the health of management staff and employees to ensure effective service delivery.
In her remarks, National Commissioner and Chairperson of the Health and Welfare Committee, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, described nursing as “a valuable profession to humanity,” noting that the celebration was aimed at recognising the sacrifices and contributions of nurses to healthcare delivery and community wellbeing.
Also speaking, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mallam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, congratulated nurses on the celebration and acknowledged their critical role in the healthcare sector.
The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, stressed the need for nursing as a profession to be continually valued and honoured.
Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony also praised nurses for their resilience and commitment to service, noting that their contributions continue to strengthen healthcare delivery.
The Director of Health Services, Dr. Chinyere Ojedokun, commended nurses for their dedication to duty and recognised their importance within the healthcare system.
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,” adding that nurses and midwives remain the backbone of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He highlighted reforms being implemented by the Council, including curriculum development, accreditation, digital licensing reforms, continuing professional development, workforce regulation, and policy advocacy aimed at strengthening nursing practice in the country.
The event featured a tribute to Florence Nightingale, presentation of awards to Prof. Joash Amupitan, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, and Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, as well as recognition of retired nurses of the Commission for meritorious service.
