•MRHC trains 2,000 health workers for maternal care

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, have issued a 15-day ultimatum to management, warning of imminent industrial action if unresolved welfare and workplace issues are not addressed.

In a notice dated September 4, 2025, and jointly signed by the Association’s Chairperson, Ojewumi Olutayo, and Secretary, Adedokun Mosunmola, the nurses said the decision followed a resolution of their Congress held on September 3, 2024.

The union stated that despite an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with management, only two items, including the payment of uniform allowance and regularisation of certain cadres of nurses, had been implemented, while other pressing demands were neglected. They expressed concern that continued inaction had exposed members to financial strain, frustration, burnout, and eroded trust in the hospital’s leadership.

MEANWHILE, the Maternal and Reproductive Health Collective (MRHC) has trained 2,040 primary healthcare workers on respectful maternal care and 431 skilled birth attendants on emergency obstetric care to improve the quality of maternal services in Lagos communities.

This was disclosed during the Iyaloju Initiative Participatory Forum held in Lagos, where stakeholders, including community leaders, local government health officials, and representatives of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, reviewed progress made under the programme and discussed practical solutions to further improve maternal care across the state.

The Chief Operating Officer of MRHC, Fumi Owosho, at the forum, explained that the training was part of interventions aimed at encouraging more women to utilise skilled care during delivery. According to her, many pregnant women in Nigeria still face challenges such as financial barriers, sociocultural beliefs, preference for traditional birth attendants, and the poor attitude of some health workers.