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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.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rejecting a petition to recall her as the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The lawmaker, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said the electoral umpire should have thrown out the petition long before it did on April 3, 2025.
“I’m a lawyer. I’m a senator and I understand how Nigeria works. For me, the most important thing is this recall process has been stalled.
“I give kudos and credit to INEC even though I believe they should have thrown it away from the get-go.
“I think it was void ab initio because there is no law in the Electoral Act that says a petition should be discarded just because there is no address but again, what if the address is false?”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain argued that most of the addresses provided in the petition for her recall were false because most houses in her district weren’t labelled.
Even though INEC did count 208,000 signatures, I bet you if they had gone into the verification stage, they would have struggled to even have 500 people come out to attest to signing that,” she added.
…hosts Delegation Of Rivers NASS Caucus
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, has said that an appropriation bill for 2025 is being articulated to provide for critical development concerns in healthcare delivery, education, agriculture and infrastructure.
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas also said that the anticipated budget will cater to creating more employment opportunities for Rivers people and advance delivery of technology in critical facets of public life.
The administrator gave the hint when he hosted the delegation of Rivers State caucus at the National Assembly, led by Dr Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing Rivers South-East District, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Those on the delegation included Senator Allwell Onyesoh, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, Hon Dumnamene Dekor, Hon Solomon Bob, Hon Cyril Godwin Hart,
Hon Blessing Amadi, Hon. Felix Nwaeke, Hon Kelechi Nwogu, and Hon Victor Obuzor
Ibas said he has been resolute, since assumption of office, to restore law and order, and with support from the security agencies, an environment has been created where Rivers residents feel valued and safer.
The Administrator stated that the commitment is to make Rivers a model of peace in the comity of States, with a stable economy and citizens courageous to pursue their livelihood without fear or molestation.
“In addition to our peace building efforts, we are also focused on the economic stability and development of Rivers State.
“Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.
“We have worked diligently to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and most importantly expedited. Our goal is to ensure that we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments that will improve the lives of citizens.”
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas stated: “The budget which is been finalized focuses on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.
“We understand the urgency of this initiative, and we are committed to ensuring that they are implemented without delay.”
The Administrator noted that to get the task done, the support of the legislators will be required as key representatives of Rivers State in the National Assembly.
He sued for their assistance in securing the necessary resources and legislative backing that would bring the initiative of his administration to fruition.
“Your partnership is critical to success in ensuring that Rivers State remains on the path of progress and enduring peace for future generations.”
He explained that in the face of the challenges that beset Rivers, which led to the State of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, dialogue, community engagement and reconciliation were deplored to build trust among the citizenry.
He noted that the people of Rivers State have shown incredible resilience and patience in the efforts taken so far to restore the State back to the path of peace and respect for the law.
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas assured that his administration remains committed to achieving enduring peace for the state.
He said: “Beyond security, we have prioritised community engagements as a central part of our strategy. Dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusivity have been key to building trust among our people.
“We are determined to strengthen the bond of unity in Rivers State and to foster an environment where every citizen feels valued, heard, and respected. Together, we are making strides in ensuring that peace becomes a permanent feature of our state.”
Responding, Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East District, said they are dedicated representatives of Rivers people at the National Assembly and resolved to support all efforts that will bring development to the State.
While commending the administrator for the modest successes he had achieved so far, Senator Mpigi pledged the support and cooperation of the legislators to ensure the return of the state on the path of law and order.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Dakar, Senegal for official assignment.
The VP is expected to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the West African nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
Senegal marks its Independence Day on April 4 each year, commemorating its liberation from French colonial rule in 1960.
The annual celebration is a significant event featuring national parades, cultural displays, and ceremonies highlighting the country’s achievements and unity.
A statement issued on Thursday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said Shettima’s participation followed an official invitation from Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
This underscored the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Senegal.
The two nations share longstanding relations, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), fostering cooperation on regional security, trade, and development initiatives.
The event is expected to reaffirm Senegal’s commitment to democratic governance and regional cooperation.
Vice President Shettima is scheduled to return to Nigeria immediately after the one-day celebrations, continuing his engagements in national development and diplomatic outreach.
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