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Gynaecologists fear reduction in antenatal attendance over fuel price hike
By Francesca Hangeior
Gynaecologists have expressed concern that the recent hike in fuel prices could significantly reduce antenatal attendance among pregnant women across the country.
The maternal health experts have warned that low antenatal attendance could lead to poor pregnancy outcomes due to a lack of supervision and specialist care.
The physicians further expressed worry that the hike in fuel prices could exacerbate Nigeria’s already troubling maternal health indices, highlighting that effective antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care were crucial in averting maternal mortality.
The hardship, which started after the removal of fuel subsidy and devaluation of the naira, was exacerbated on Wednesday when the pump price of fuel jumped from around N800 to N1,150 per litre.
This has led to increased transport fares nationwide and worsening the hardships faced by Nigerians.
The gynaecologists disclosed that the new fuel pump price would certainly impact antenatal attendance, stating that pregnant women with low income would not be regular with their appointments due to high transport fares.
The World Health Organisation’s new guidelines recommend at least eight antenatal visits during pregnancy, emphasising that care should begin within the first trimester.
According to the 2018 National Demographic and Health Survey, Nigeria has a worrisome maternal mortality ratio of 512 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise in different interviews, the gynaecologists expressed concern that reduced antenatal attendance would prevent many expectant mothers from receiving necessary interventions.
Dr Chukwuneme Okpala
A Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi, Anambra State, Dr Chukwuneme Okpala, warned that the recent fuel price hike would lead to decreased antenatal attendance.
He explained that the initial increase in fuel prices had already raised transportation costs, and the latest hike had further worsened the situation, making it difficult for many pregnant women to keep to their appointments.
Okpala stated, “Hospitals will see a decline in antenatal care attendance in Nigeria due to the rising fuel cost. High transportation costs will have a ripple effect on people’s living standards, reducing the purchasing power of pregnant women.
“Many will struggle to afford basic needs, which will inevitably affect their ability to attend appointments. When finances are tight, families will have to prioritise essentials like food over healthcare, leading to fewer women attending routine antenatal services.
“Many women will not visit the hospital regularly for antenatal care due to financial constraints, regardless of their proximity to healthcare facilities.”
Okpala stressed that irregular attendance at antenatal clinics could lead to poor quality care, significantly impacting pregnancy outcomes.
“Without regular visits, those who need interventions may not receive them. Attending antenatal clinics frequently increases the chances of detecting and managing potential complications.
“Only through hospital visits can healthcare providers assess and identify any issues, whether maternal or foetal. When women do not present or arrive late, it often results in more severe problems that could have been addressed earlier”, he said.
Okpala lamented that decreased antenatal attendance will exacerbate Nigeria’s maternal health indices.
“If the current hardships persist, our maternal health statistics will suffer. In 2023, the WHO reported that Nigeria has the second highest rates of maternal, stillbirth, and neonatal deaths in the world, following India,” he said.
The expert explained that maternal mortality serves as an indirect measure of a country’s Gross Domestic Product, adding, “If our GDP declines, healthcare will be adversely affected. Preventing maternal mortality relies on proper antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care.
“If women begin to seek alternative care due to high transportation costs, our maternal mortality rates will undoubtedly rise. While the effects may not be immediately visible, they will become apparent if the current trend continues without intervention.”
Offering recommendations, Okpala stated that the government was aware of the necessary actions to take, as many professionals have provided potential solutions.
He said, “The government has two options: either reinstate the fuel subsidy and tackle corruption or refine our fuel and sell it reasonably. Alternatively, they could establish an affordable public transport system for antenatal mothers, enabling them to attend their appointments.”
He emphasised that such measures could lead to positive pregnancy outcomes, asserting, “The responsibility lies with the government, not individuals. If they implement these changes, it would help, but I remain sceptical about their willingness to do so.
“Our government travels abroad and observes how things work there. If we can enhance purchasing power, we will access quality care; if purchasing power decreases, the outcomes will suffer.”
He said, “If a person earns N100,000 and that amount remains unchanged over time, their quality of care, as well as the quality of food they can afford, will decline.
“Consequently, the amount they can allocate for healthcare will also decrease. The government knows what needs to be done, but corruption often hinders these efforts.”
Corroborating Okpala’s statement, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital in Bayelsa State, Dr Judiet Ugbechie, emphasised that reduced antenatal attendance increases the risk of pregnancy complications.
She noted that higher numbers of antenatal visits are crucial for decreasing the likelihood of stillbirths and improving pregnancy outcomes.
Ugbechie said, “Having eight or more contacts for antenatal care can significantly reduce perinatal deaths compared to having only four visits or none at all.
“A woman’s visit to her antenatal care provider should encompass more than just a routine check-up; it should involve comprehensive care and support throughout the pregnancy.”
She highlighted that more frequent and higher-quality visits between women and their healthcare providers facilitate the uptake of preventive measures, timely detection of risks, and address health inequalities.
“Antenatal care is particularly vital for first-time mothers, as it sets the foundation for how they will engage with antenatal care in future pregnancies,” she said.
She recommended that pregnant women schedule their first antenatal visit within the first 12 weeks of gestation, followed by subsequent visits at 20, 26, 30, 34, 36, 38, and 40 weeks.
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has distanced itself from a platform known as BNBEX and disowned a circular that falsely claims the unit is reviewing transactions of Nigerian users on the platform.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Sani Tukur, Head of the Strategic Communications Department at the NFIU, the agency made it clear that it has no connection with BNBEX, has not validated its operations, and has not initiated or approved any compliance exercise related to the platform.
“The circular was not issued by the NFIU and bears no connection whatsoever to any of the Unit’s current regulatory or compliance initiatives,” the statement read.
The Unit also refuted the existence of any regulation titled “Nigerian Financial Surveillance Regulation,” which was cited in the document circulated by BNBEX. According to the NFIU, no such regulation exists within Nigeria’s legal or financial regulatory framework.
The circular, which was posted on BNBEX’s website, falsely alleged that the NFIU was conducting a compliance review involving all transactions carried out by Nigerians on the platform. The NFIU categorically rejected this claim and described the document as fake and misleading.
The agency further clarified that the logo and insignia used in the controversial document do not belong to the NFIU. It described them as fabricated and cautioned the public against accepting such materials as legitimate.
With regards to location, the NFIU stated that it has no offices in the Central Business District of Abuja or any other area outside of its official headquarters located at No. 1 Monrovia Street, Wuse II, Abuja.
The Unit then urged members of the public to be vigilant and verify information through official NFIU channels to avoid falling victim to scams or disinformation.
“For purposes of clarification or to report suspicious information purporting to be from the NFIU, please contact the Strategic Communications Department at [email protected],” the statement concluded.
The NFIU serves as Nigeria’s central national agency responsible for the receipt and analysis of financial disclosures concerning suspected proceeds of crime and other financial information to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and related crimes.
This latest development shows the increasing challenges of financial fraud in Nigeria’s digital space and the need for the public to be cautious when dealing with online platforms, especially those making claims involving regulatory agencies and promising mouth-watering returns on investments.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said it has airlifted 14,165 pilgrims in five days.
This, the commission said, represents 34.4 per cent of the total pilgrims for this year’s edition.
A statement by Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, said the figure is an improvement from last year’s 20.2 per cent of pilgrims with 23 flights transported 9, 788 pilgrims.
She listed the States that have concluded their airlift to include Oyo, Abia, Kogi, and Nasarawa States.
Meanwhile, Ondo and Ekiti States are preparing for their final flights, which will be undertaken as a combined airlift.
The commission said: “Importantly, no flight cancellations have been recorded so far. On the contrary, one of the carriers transporting pilgrims from Niger State arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier than expected as a mark of diligence. The commission commended its staff for their prompt action and being up to task.
“NAHCON attributes the continued success of the airlift operations to the full cooperation from the State Pilgrims’ Boards, and the wisdom in engaging four airlines for this year’s airlift. The air carriers have been doing their best to fulfill the terms of engagement they signed with NAHCON. “Additionally, Saudi Arabian authorities have released full flight schedules to all participating airlines, which further facilitates proper planning and timeliness. All flights are currently landing in Madinah, in line with the agreed plan.”
She said the first set of pilgrims that arrived the Kingdom are now in Makkah to commence their Umrah for those who select Hajj Tumattu’i or Qiran.”
The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has dismissed three motions on notice by First Bank of Nigeria Limited against General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL).
Other respondents in the suit numbered FHC/PH/CS/02/2025 are the Cargo of Crude Oil on Board FPSO Tamara Tokoni, Owners/Operators of the FPSO Tamara Tokoni and the Master.
Justice E. A. Obile ruled on an application by First Bank, through its counsel, E. C. Unachukwu.
The judge ordered: “That the application to withdraw Motions on Notice dated and filed 25th March, 2025; dated and filed on 28th March 2025 and dated and filed on 2nd April, 2025 is granted as prayed.
“That the applications are hereby dismissed accordingly.
“That Deputy Chief Registrar/Admiralty Marshall is directed to serve parties who apply for the orders of the court with same, including the instant order.
“That the application for costs is refused.”
The order was made on April 29.
Justice Obile had in March dismissed First Bank’s suit against GHL on the grounds that the court was bereft of the requisite jurisdiction to entertain it.
He upheld the arguments of counsel to GHL, Dr ‘Biodun Layonu (SAN), and GHL’s notice of preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the suit.
It dismissed the entire suit as an abuse of the court process and a breach of the orders of Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, made on December 12, 2024, in suit FHC/L/CS/1953/2024.
The court held that First Bank conceded in paragraphs 18 and 19 of its counter-affidavit opposing the defendants’ notice of preliminary objection that the order made by Justice Lewis-Allagoa restrained it from enforcing any receivables arising from the facility agreement entered into by the parties.
The court further held that the plaintiff’s attempt to distinguish the instant suit from the one numbered FHC/L/CS/1953/2024 could not stand.
It maintained that every subsequent agreement entered into by the parties was pursuant to the legally enforceable Memorandum of Understanding between GHL and FBN.
The court consequently held that by the instant suit, First Bank approached the court to do the very act that Justice Lewis-Allagoa had restricted it from doing, and as such, the suit was a classic case of abuse of court process, and consequently dismissed the suit.
The court also upheld the argument of GHL that the ex-parte orders of January 9 had lapsed by operation of law.
These are: “An order to arrest and/or attach or lien the entire cargo of crude oil on board the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (“FPSO”) vessel Tamara Tokoni;
“An order directing the officers of the Nigerian Navy, NUPRC, NIMASA, Harbour Master of the Nigeria Ports Authority to render necessary assistance to the Admiralty Marshall of the Court in giving effect to the order of arrest made in (a) above.”
The court held that the orders had lapsed automatically by effluxion of time and consequently set them aside.
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