By Philip Yatai
The National Institute of Caregivers (NIC) is developing a National Care Agenda, 2027, to support the continued development of professional caregiving in Nigeria.
The Director-Genera (D-G) of the institute, Mr Olusan Victor, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.
Victor said that the agenda would focus on professional caregiver development, care standards and quality, research and evidence, policy and stakeholder engagement.
He identified other areas as public awareness, institutional partnerships, caregiver career development and innovation and digital systems for the caregiving sector.
“The institute intends to use the remainder of 2026 to begin a series of public conversations, stakeholder engagements, professional-development activities and knowledge initiatives that will provide the foundation for a broader programme of activities in 2027.
“NIC also plans to engage relevant government institutions, universities, healthcare organisations, care facilities, development partners, foundations, corporate organisations, media organisations and other stakeholders interested in strengthening Nigeria’s caregiving ecosystem.
“The NIC is, therefore, inviting organisations and individuals who share this vision to collaborate with it.”
Victor said that the partnership opportunities would include caregiver education and professional development, research and data, care standards, and public awareness.
He added that it include community programmes, institutional capacity development, technology and digital innovation, policy dialogue, sponsorship and donor-supported programmes.
He said that the NIC believes that Nigeria now has an opportunity to move from fragmented conversations about caregiving towards a coordinated national approach.
“We are not asking any single institution to carry this responsibility. We are inviting stakeholders to build it together.
“Every Nigerian will either need care, provide care, or support someone who does.
“The question is whether we will continue to treat caregiving as an informal responsibility or build the professional systems required to make care safer, more dignified, more accountable and more sustainable.”
“NIC is committed to contributing to that process”.
