Minister Commends Contribution of Nursing to FCT Development

By: Wisdom Acka

The FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, has commended the contribution of the nursing profession to the development of the FCT.

The Minister also lauded members of the profession for hard work and demonstration of good leadership.

Mallam Bello made the commendation when a delegation of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Chapter, visited him in his office.

Pledging that the Administration would continue to cherish the efforts of the Association as partners in the FCT project, Bello particularly praised them for the sacrifices and contributions made during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

His words: “I personally have really worked very closely with you and I have seen what you have been able to do. I think in Abuja, all of us will be very grateful to you for your role during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We all went through it here in the city and Abuja being the second epicentre, we know the sacrifices you made and I saw the leadership that was demonstrated by your Chairman and your entire EXCO. For that, I think the entire city and the FCT Administration will be eternally grateful to you”, he added.

Bello also appreciated the constant dialogue between the FCTA and the Nursing Association; saying it has helped in the promotion of industrial harmony in the FCT.

He said: “You have also been a pillar of support to us, particularly in terms of our efforts to improve on industrial relations within the FCT and I have had a lot of feedback.”

“When we are going wrong, instead of the normal system of writing a lengthy letter and copying so many people, the Chairman will just find a way of communicating to me and tell me that this and this is wrong and it’s very important to do this and this. It has helped us to do what is right”, the Minister recalled.

He, therefore, appealed to the Association to continue on that path and continue in the provision of excellent services to FCT residents. 

Responding, the Chairman of the Association, Comrade Deborah Yusufu, also commended the Minister for the support given the Association, which has “created the enabling environment for nurses in the FCT to work efficiently and effectively”.

Yusufu expressed happiness of her Association to be a part of the success story of the FCT; attributing their successes to the Minister for always giving them audience and identifying with them, attending to their issues expeditiously.

She praised the FCT Administration for being the first in the implementation of government policies such as the payment of arrears of CONHESS to health workers, skipping, relativity allowances and arrears.

Others are consequential adjustment of minimum wage and arrears, implementation of the nurses’ scheme of service, prompt payment of salaries to workers and the promotion of workers.