The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to recruit 900 healthcare workers to strengthen staffing in its hospitals.
The decision was disclosed by Dr. Babagana Adams, the Permanent Secretary of the Health and Environment Services Secretariat (HESS), during an awards dinner hosted by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) FCT Council.
The event, which served as the conclusion of the 2024 FCT Nurses Week, began with Jumaat prayers on Sept. 20 and culminated with the awards night.
Adams revealed that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has given the green light for the recruitment of the healthcare personnel.
Additionally, approval has been granted for the hiring of 342 other health professionals, with recruitment efforts expected to commence shortly.
In further remarks, Adams stated his intention to submit a proposal advocating for the establishment of a dedicated village for health professionals before the end of the current administration.
He also indicated that plans were underway to enhance transportation for nurses, with discussions already initiated with WEMA and Zenith banks to facilitate this support.
He emphasized that the forthcoming proposal would include a seamless payment system for these initiatives.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Jama Medan, Chairman of the NANNM FCT Council, called for the expansion of hospitals across the FCT, noting that many districts lack adequate healthcare facilities. He highlighted that the growing population in the FCT has far exceeded the capacity of existing hospitals, underscoring the need for more infrastructure and medical equipment.
Medan encouraged nurses to remain dedicated to their profession despite the challenges of heavy workloads, urging them to resist the temptation to migrate abroad or switch careers. He praised Minister Wike’s efforts to improve conditions in the FCT, expressing optimism that the hard work of healthcare professionals would soon be rewarded.
“The minister has already made significant strides, beginning with the approval of a 25% salary increase and other benefits for nurses,” Medan noted.
During the event, the award for the Best Nurse in the FCT was presented to Rosemary Okoroafor from Karshi General Hospital. The honor was bestowed by Dr. Esther Osunluyi, representing the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America.
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