While Nigerians anticipate reduction in the price of fuel to relieve hardship, Robert Dickerman, Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, has said Dangote’s oil production will not massively lower the price.
Robert Dickerman, Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited
According to Dickerman, the root cause of fuel hike in Nigeria is the devaluation of naira in the global market.
He spoke during the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC) annual strategic international conference in Lagos.
The oil magnate noted that all crude oil and petroleum products are priced in United States Dollar (USD), all over the world since oil was first drilled in Pennsylvania in 1859.
“When we import products, whether the buyer is NTL or a private marketer, we must pay the global market price, adjusted for quality and location. That price is in dollars and must be paid in dollars. When it is re-sold in Naira by vessel, in bulk in a terminal, by truck at a gantry, or by pump at retail, the market price is the USD price, converted to Naira at the current FX exchange rate, which is currently about N1700.
“Any price below that is the result of Nigerian subsidy. The subsidy represents the difference between the market price and the selling price,” he explained.
Dickerman stated that every drop in the naira raises the cost of anything imported or market priced, whether gasoline, manufactured goods or food.
“We must address the root problem, which is how to restore global confidence in Nigeria’s economy and currency, create foreign investment in jobs and local production, increase tax revenue and achieve fiscal prudence! That is the only way to lower petroleum products prices in naira.”
Speaking on the state of fuel subsidy, the CEO pointed out that Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) is still subsidised by the government using discounted FX through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
He said, “Prices at wholesale and retail are still considerably below market. That is why only NTL has been able to import (buy high, sell low) and why only NTL can buy Dangote’s gasoline and pay market price, while reselling at a subsidised price. No marketer would stay in business trying to copy this model.
“Available crude for sale by NNPC has been steadily declining due to production challenges and actions taken to raise short term cash such as crude forward sales and crude collateralised on international loans, but also because of the fiscal constraints of the government, its increasing debt and the need to fund large subsidies such as for PMS and electricity.”
The House of Representatives Committee on Ecological Funds has pledged to address ecological challenges that ravage communities in the country.
Gov Peter Mbah of Enugu State
Chairman, House Committee on Ecological Funds, Aminu Jaji, made the pledge when he led other members to assess the impacts of flooding in some communities in Enugu State on Monday, October 7, 2024.
The communities include Amechi Idodo, Amauzam Amagunze, Ihuokpara and Nkerefi communities in Nkanu East and Mpu, Okpanku, Oduma and Nenwe in Aninri Council Areas.
Jaji explained that they decided to embark on the fact-finding visit to see things for themselves.
He assured that substantial funds would be made available to address the situation.
“We have selected some states. Now, we have seen the level and magnitude of the flooding and other ecological issues that we are here to identify.
“We are equally here to find a lasting solution to most of the ecological issues that we have across the country.
“Before we took over the leadership of this committee, there were so many things that went wrong, and now we are trying to correct the public perceptions regarding the Ecological Fund,” he said.
He also assured that the committee would deviate from the tradition of giving piecemeal to the states to address the challenges.
“Now, we are looking at the real problem. Our assessment here is that the devastation will not only affect the communities but will also have some significant impact on the economy.
“As far as farmlands and the houses are submerged, leading to displacement, there will be a decline in the national security of the country. So, we are trying to see how we can provide remedy to these challenges.
“We will make sure that we provide substantial funds that will cater for such problems,” Jaji added.
Addressing newsmen, the Coordinator, Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mrs Chinasa Mbah, who accompanied the team, narrated how flooding and other ecological issues had caused devastation in parts of the state.
The coordinator stressed that people in the affected areas were passing through difficulties because their houses and means of livelihood had been destroyed.
She called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to swiftly come to the aid of the affected people of the state to ameliorate their pains.
Mbah urged the agency to find lasting solutions to some of the ecological challenges affecting the state.
“The impact of the flood is too high on the Enugu State citizens. When you go to these affected areas, which we visited today, you will discover that the people are actually suffering as a result of the flooding and other ecological issues in the state.
“We need the National Emergency Management Agency, as soon as possible, because the citizens are really affected,” she stated.
Rivers worldwide had less water in 2023 than at any time in the last 30 years, according to
report by the UN weather agency on Monday, October 7, 2024.
Pearl River Basin, China
The report, published by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), said that global water levels have been well below the long-term average in the last five years.
The fall in water levels is caused by climate change, it said, exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon, which occurs naturally every few years and affects precipitation worldwide.
Last year was the hottest on record and glaciers lost more ice than they have done for at least 50 years, said the report.
Not all rivers have been equally affected.
According to the WMO, the water levels were below the long-term average in the Mississippi basin in the United States, the Amazon basin in South America, Asia, East Africa and the Ganges.
WMO Secretary General, Celeste Saulo, said that water is the canary in the coal mine of climate change.
‘‘We receive distress signals in form of extreme rainfall, floods and droughts which wreak a heavy toll on lives, ecosystems and economies … and yet we are not taking the necessary action,’’ she concluded.
The Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has urged members of staff to adopt modern technologies in emergency management.
Zubaida Umar, Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
Umar spoke on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the opening of the NEMA Customers Service Week titled “Above and Beyond” in Abuja.
She commended the resilience and perseverance of the workers in the face of challenges.
“In times of disasters and emergencies, your ability to remain calm, collected and focused on the needs of those affected is invaluable.
“The stories of saving lives, communities rebuilding, and hope restoration are a testament to your hard work and commitment to service.
“As we move forward, I urge you to continue seeking ways to improve our service delivery.’’
Umar said that the world was in an era where technology was changing the landscape of emergency management, from early warning systems to disaster mapping and response coordination tools.
“Let us embrace innovation and continuously improve our systems and processes to better serve the public.’’
Umar tasked the workforce on teamwork saying that it remained one of strongest assets of the agency.
According to her, the complexity of emergency situations requires collaboration across different departments and external partners.
“By working together, sharing knowledge and supporting each other, we can achieve even greater success in fulfilling our mission.
“As we celebrate Customer Service Week, let us reaffirm our commitment to working above and beyond in achieving excellence in service delivery, innovation and teamwork in all that we do.
“Together, we will continue to build a stronger and more responsive agency that stands ready to serve the people of this nation in their times of greatest need above and beyond their expectations,” she said.
In his remarks, the Mr Bello Danlami, the Information Officer of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), commended NEMA for the quality of its services.
He said that the NEMA’s unwavering dedication to providing timely and essential services in the face of emergencies and crises was commendable.
“Your efforts make a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals across Nigeria, ensuring their safety and well-being during the most challenging times.
“At UNOCHA, we recognise the vital role that customer service plays in delivering humanitarian aid and we salute your professionalism, resilience and commitment to serving those in need.
“As we continue to collaborate in addressing humanitarian challenges, we look forward to building on the strong foundation of partnership that we share,” he said.
In her remarks, Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, the National Coordinator, Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM), commended NEMA for the initiative.
She said that the celebration pointed out the importance of customer service.
Represented by the SERVCOM Officer, Ms Rebecca Abah, Akajemeli said that irrespective of shape or sizes, customer came first.
She said that developing and implementing plans to prepare communities for potential emergencies remained fundamental.
“Let us bear in mind that going “Above and Beyond” in satisfying our customers requires the commitment of all of us from the front desk to top management.
“Therefore, all hands must be on deck to ensure that quality service is provided for the benefit of all citizens at all times,” she said.
The Managing Director, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN), Osagie Okunbor, has received an “Award of Excellence to an Astute and Visionary Technocrat” from the newly instituted executive leadership of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN).
Executive Chairman, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Engineer Wole Ogunsanya (left), presenting the association Award for “Excellence to an Astute and Visionary Technocrat” to the Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor, at a ceremony in Lagos recently
Okunbor received the award in a short ceremony in Lagos, recently, where the PETAN executive, led by its chairman, Wole Ogunsanya, said: “The award is to acknowledge Country Chair’s leadership of Shell and the long running relationship between PETAN, PETAN member companies and Shell.”
Ogunsanya added: “Shell has been a leader in driving the growth of local capacity participation in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Several of PETAN members had their first breakthroughs with Shell while even more are currently providing services to Shell Companies in Nigeria.”
“PETAN member companies pledge to consistently deliver quality products and services to Shell in particular.”
He also expressed appreciation for the Shell partnership with PETAN and the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in the Shell-PETAN Internship program that is giving young Nigerian graduates the opportunity to have a two-year on-the-job training in their respective disciplines, to enhance their employability.
“This programme has been a resounding success with several of the interns retained by the participating members,” Ogunsanya said.
Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Okunbor, thanked the PETAN delegation for the recognition. He said: “The growth of participation of indigenous companies in the oil and gas industry is a good thing. Shell companies in Nigeria retain the commitment to continue to create opportunities for Nigerian companies to participate in our business.
“For example, in 2023, SPDC, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) and Shell Nigeria Gas Limited (SNG) awarded $1.98 billion in contracts to Nigeria-registered companies, marking a 3% increase in value from the previous year. SCiN also directly employed more than 2,500 people (of whom 96% were Nigerian nationals) with over 9,000 contractors supporting operations.”
Okunbor reiterated that Shell has invested in game-changing businesses in Nigeria for over 60 years and will continue to power progress, positively impact lives, and unlock opportunities.
The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) is an association of Nigerian indigenous technical oilfield service companies in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry.
PETAN was formed in 1994 to bring together Nigerian oil & gas entrepreneurs to create a forum for the exchange of ideas with the major operators, industry stakeholders and policy makers. PETAN is celebrating its 30th anniversary in December 2024.
The Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria) is pleased to express its full support for the recent decision by the Government of Lagos State to ban Single-Use Plastics (SUPs), which is seen as a monumental step in protecting the environment and public health. This ban, which follows the successful earlier ban on Styrofoam, reflects the state’s unwavering commitment to addressing the growing crisis of plastic pollution in the Lagos megacity.
Plastic waste pollution in Akobi Crescent, Lagos, Nigeria
Recognising that the National Plastic Waste Regulations 2023 by NESREA soon to be gazette enshrines a ban on similar single-use plastics effective from 2025. And noting that the Federal Executive Council recently approved the ban on SUPs in all Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs) recently with immediate effect. SRADev Nigeria also recognises the peculiarity of Lagos State as a major producer of SUPs with less than 20% recycling capacity should necessarily adopt stricter measures to curb the menace. Against this backdrop, SRADeV Nigeria being the foremost campaigner and advocate for a safer plastic free environment hereby wholly supports Lagos State’s outright ban on SUPs effective from January 2025 especially, as this is long overdue.
While the initial ban on Styrofoam raised concerns from businesses and stakeholders on time adequacy, we believe that enough awareness and consultation with the key stakeholders as well as consistent advocacy for a “Just transition” has been ongoing for the past four years.
It should be noted that many African cities with lesser severe plastic pollution challenges have taken similar moves in the past 10 years and Lagos State, a megacity, cannot continue to promote the circular economy paradigm and its climate change commitment side by side the current production and use of SUPs in 2024. Therefore, it is imperative and overtly timely for the state government to declare the phase-out of single-use plastics effective from January 2025, to ensure a cleaner and healthier future for all residents of Lagos.
Notwithstanding, majority of all the alternatives are available and where the alternatives are not readily available it means there should be no production of such plastics in view of their danger.
Noteworthy also, the whole world by December 2024, a new Global Plastic Treaty is going to be finalised in South Korea of which Nigeria is playing a very important role and the Treaty having a major focus on placing a ban on SUPs as well. Therefore, Nigeria has to go the way of the global community when it comes to SUPs. As you already know, single-use plastics are a leading contributor to environmental degradation, littering waterways, choking wildlife, and disrupting ecosystems in Lagos – a known Centre of Excellence.
In view of the impact of plastic pollution in Lagos state, the current cost of inaction and over production of SUPs has immensely contributed to the over-burdened land resource and waste management infrastructure in the state.
SRADev Nigeria and its allies (GAIA Nigeria) stand by the state government to adopt an enforcement strategy that prioritises plastic hotspots from production to use. Extensive aggressive awareness raising should be mounted in all major plastic hotspots and consumer outlets such as supermarkets, eateries and shopping malls et cetera before the end of the year 2024 to facilitate immediate voluntary compliance.
At SRADev, we believe this policy will spur innovation in alternative packaging and provide new opportunities for green businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices. While we look forward to the state’s pragmatic steps to monitoring and enforcement, we remain committed to supporting the state government, local communities, and businesses throughout this transition, while ensuring that no one is left behind as we work together towards a greener future.
Dr. Leslie Adogame is Executive Director, Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria)
The World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry and the U.S. National Medical Association have asked Nigeria to phase out the use of amalgam in dentistry. Amalgam contains 50% mercury, which poses a health and environmental risk.
Use of dental amalgam
In two separate correspondents dated September 20, 2024, and addressed to Muhammad Ali Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the organisations urged a fast transition to amalgam-free dentistry for Nigeria.
Graeme Munro-Hall, UK Dentist and Chief Dental Officer of the World Alliance, said: “As an author of a book about toxics in dentistry, as retired practicing dentist with a mercury-free practice for 40 years, and now as the chief dental officer of the worldwide coalition spearheading mercury-free dentistry for all, I urge the great nation of Nigeria to transition rapidly to an end date for dental amalgam.
“Amalgam is a health risk, a workplace hazard, and an environmental menace, which is why it occupies a major place in the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The alternatives are available, affordable, and effective. Large number of Nigerian dentists – we believe the majority – have already transitioned to mercury-free dentistry for their patients.”
According to him, the Children’s Amendment to the treaty that entered into force 12 months ago calls for each Party to end amalgam for children and for pregnant women and for breastfeeding women.
He disclosed that amalgam use is declining in Africa: banned in Gabon, Tanzania on a five-year phase out date, Mauritius, Tunisia and Zambia ended amalgam in use for children, and Benin ended amalgam in the military.
Munro-Hall called on Nigeria to be prepared for the new era of mercury-free dentistry.
The U.S. National Medical Association that represents America’s African-American physicians disclosed that its official policy is opposition to mercury in medical devices and in dentistry, and that it backs the call for the full phase out of dental amalgam.
In the letter, chair of the association, Mark A. Mitchell, said: “America’s Black Doctors’ organisation urges amalgam phase out for Nigeria. The Black physicians in America stand with African governments acting to end dental amalgam.”
Mitchell added: “Once asking only for the phase down of dental amalgam, the Minamata Convention has shifted focus to phase OUT of amalgam. First, the Children’s Amendment, adopted at COP4 and entering into legal force in September 2024, requires governments to adopt policies that lead to the end of amalgam for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women. Second, at COP5 the Parties unanimously inserted into the treaty the phase out of amalgam by 2030 as its goal.
“Modern dentistry is mercury-free dentistry. Amalgam, 50% mercury, is a risk to patients and dental workers, and a contributing cause to poisoning fish which children eat. Moreover, dental amalgam is an environmental injustice. Increasingly, middle-class consumers do not receive amalgam. We must lift all boats – end amalgam for all.”
Amara Nwuneli, a Nigerian founder of the youth-led climate education NGO “Preserve Our Roots”, has emerged winner of Under 17’s category of the Canon Young Champion of the Year Award at the 2024 Global Good Awards.
Amara Nwuneli
Jahaan Arora and Shri Akshayaa Lakshmikumar, the founder of “HERglobal”, an international nonprofit working to destigmatise women’s health, primarily in Uganda, both won the Under 25’s category.
The announcement of this year’s Global Good Awards was made at the awards ceremony which took place at BMA House, headquarters of the British Medical Association in London, amongst the 17 categories Company of Year, which went to Octopus Energy and Wild World, going to South West Peatland Project.
For the fifth consecutive year, the Canon Young Champion category of the Global Good Awards, the only youth dedicated category, recognised inspiring young leaders from across the world. The category was originally inspired by the Canon Young People Programme, which gives young people the knowledge, skills and confidence to tackle the sustainability issues that matter to them using creativity and critical thinking.
To determine this year’s Canon Young Champion of the Year Award winner, a panel of judges gathered in London, including Executive Director at UN Global Compact Network UK, Steve Kenzie; 2023 Canon Young Champion of the Year finalist, Jodie Bailey-Ho; and photographer and Canon Ambassador, Laura El Tantawy. In addition to her judging position Laura will provide a masterclass in storytelling for this year’s winners, helping to support the photography and communication of the initiatives young leaders are running.
This year’s Canon Young Champions will each receive a Canon EOS R50 Content Creator Kit and will take part in a masterclass with Laura. Shortlisted finalists will also receive certificate, sustainably made medal and a joint masterclass with Laura.
“It is essential for organisations like Canon to play their part in supporting and recognizing the personal development and progress of young changemakers and by collaborating with the Global Good Awards, we work to achieve this goal. Something that stood out to me in the Canon Young Champion applications this year is that each finalist has set up at least one programme or a series of programmes to combat issues that affect their community and their peers. I congratulate this year’s Canon Young Champions for their exceptional work supporting their communities across the world,” says Adam Pensotti, Head of the Canon Young People Programme and Social Initiatives.
Under 17’s category winner, Amara Nwuneli
Amara from Nigeria is the founder of Preserve Our Roots, a by-youth, for-youth NGO and Social Movement engaging a global audience in climate education and action. Waking up to find her home flooded in Lagos, Nigeria, motivated Amara to support the rebuilding of schools damaged by floods and engage in fundraising drives for marginalised communities lacking access to climate education.
Amara said: “I am not just a climate activist. I am not just a Philanthropist or student. I am not just a daughter, dancer, poet, or avid nature freak. I am a representation of my natural world and my ancestors that once inhabited it. I truly believe in the power of youth because I have seen with my own eyes the change, I have been able to make through my story and the stories I help tell. have been blessed with the opportunity to see the magnitude of which a simple idea can positively impact people’s lives.”
Under 25’s winner Shri Akshayaa Lakshmikumar
Shri, joint winner of the Under 25’s category, is the founder of HERglobal, an international nonprofit dedicated to destigmatising women’s health on an international scale. Her focus is primarily on cervical cancer prevention and screening through educational awareness campaigns with major hospitals, access to free screening in rural communities, free HPV vaccination for young girls, and empowering women to act of their health.
So far Shri’s work is primarily in Uganda, but HERglobal is rapidly expanding to other countries. HERglobal takes a unique, hands-on approach to women’s health advocacy and ensures that our method of communication and initiative is accessible, inclusive, and beneficial to the women we work to support.
Under 25’s winner, Jahaan Arora
Jahan was recognised as the joint winner of the Under 25’s category. He launched multiple initiatives, including the 1 million meals programme, where 6,000 children collected grain donating half a million meals to 1,000 orphans in his local village in India.
He said: “I was so touched at our last school visit, where a child wrote and recited to me a poem about hunger and another shared how an eight-year-old child like him can now make a difference to hunger. It’s quite overwhelming, and empowering.”
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has announced a slight decrease in River Benue’s water levels in recent days, lowering the risk of severe flooding.
NIHSA’s Director General, Mr Umar Mohammed
NIHSA’s Director-General, Mr Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, October 5, 2024, in Abuja.
Mohammed reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to monitoring the water levels of the nation’s major rivers and tributaries, as part of its overall flood management strategy in Nigeria.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant due to unpredictable climate conditions and to continue observing flood preparedness protocols.
“NIHSA is working closely with the authorities and management of Lagdo Dam regarding water releases, and the agency is committed to monitoring water levels at critical stations,” he said.
NIHSA’s 2024 Annual Flood Outlook reveals that 148 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 31 states are at high risk of flooding.
The affected states include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Kebbi.
Others are Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba and Yobe.
In Nigeria, where healthcare access is a challenge for many, the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is particularly worrisome.
Nigerian women in Boki
Women, who are often the primary caregivers in their families and communities, bear the brunt of this crisis.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms no longer respond to medications that were once effective in treating infections.
This phenomenon makes common illnesses harder to treat, increasing the risk of severe illness and death.
Whether managing their health or that of their children, women are frequently exposed to infections and rely heavily on antibiotics, making them more vulnerable to the consequences of AMR.
The implications are dire, as experts say that AMR not only jeopardises individual health but also poses significant threats to public health and socio-economic stability, especially in low-resource settings such as Nigeria.
In spite of being a global issue, the impact of AMR on women in Nigeria is often overlooked.
It affects not only maternal health but also their daily caregiving responsibilities.
The socio-economic implications are immense, particularly in rural communities where women lack access to quality healthcare and are often unaware of the dangers posed by antibiotic misuse.
This ignorance compounds the problem as women may rely on ineffective or outdated treatments, further exacerbating AMR.
When 32-year-old Mrs Hauwa Maigari fell ill with what she thought was a simple Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), she didn’t expect her journey to recovery to stretch into months of pain, frustration and fear.
Living in rural Bwari in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), she relied on a local pharmacist for antibiotics. However, the medication didn’t work.
“I thought it was just a delay in recovery, but I kept feeling worse,” she recalled.
Her condition worsened because the bacteria causing the infection were resistant to the antibiotics available in her community.
As a mother of three and a farmer, her responsibilities didn’t allow her the luxury of prolonged illness, yet she found herself growing weaker each day.
“I had to borrow money to travel to the Federal Medical Hospital in Jabi, but by the time I got proper treatment, I was already very sick,” she recounted.
Maigari’s story is just one example of how AMR is threatening the health and well-being of Nigerian women.
From common infections such as UTIs to more serious complications during pregnancy and childbirth, women are on the frontlines of this global health crisis.
WHO warned that over 700,000 people die annually due to drug-resistant infections.
The number is projected to rise to 10 million by 2050 if there is no action.
In Nigeria, where healthcare infrastructure is weak and access to treatment is not easy, AMR poses a great challenge.
According to a 2022 Lancet publication, 4.95 million deaths globally in 2019 were associated with AMR, with the highest death rate in Western Africa, at 27.3 deaths per 100,000.
WHO has identified 15 priority antibiotic-resistant pathogens, four of which have been found in Nigeria. The rising incidence of these pathogens underscores the urgent need for effective surveillance and intervention.
The economic implications of AMR are staggering. By 2050, AMR could cost between 300 billion dollars and one trillion dollars annually worldwide due to increased healthcare costs, prolonged hospital stays and intensive treatments.
In Nigeria, where seven out of 10 people access antibiotics outside licensed facilities, overprescription and misuse of these drugs heighten the crisis.
The situation is further aggravated by the misuse of antimicrobials in animals, particularly in food production, leading to residues in products such as milk and meat.
Experts say these residues pose health risks such as cancer and allergies to consumers, further complicating the landscape of public health.
Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the consequences of AMR. Experts warn that infections during pregnancy can lead to serious complications, and without effective antibiotics, the risks increase significantly.
Conditions such as UTIs, which are common during pregnancy, can escalate into severe infections if not treated properly.
The rise in antibiotic resistance makes routine medical treatments riskier for both mother and child.
Many women in Nigeria face challenges in accessing timely medical care during pregnancy due to financial constraints, cultural barriers, or long distances to healthcare centres.
These delays, experts warn, can cause infections to worsen, requiring stronger and more expensive antibiotics that may no longer be effective.
According to the WHO, Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with an estimated 512 deaths per 100,000 live births.
AMR exacerbates this issue, as infections, once easily treated with antibiotics, are now harder to manage, placing additional strain on already overburdened healthcare services and threatening progress in maternal health.
Health stakeholders have estimated that drug-resistant infections contribute to, at least, 20 per cent of maternal deaths, a worrisome figure considering the country’s already high maternal mortality rate.
“AMR is not just a medical issue but a social and gendered crisis,” says Dr Abiodun Egwuenu, AMR Programme Manager at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
Egwuenu says Nigerian women are more vulnerable to AMR due to social, economic and cultural factors.
She adds that access to quality healthcare is limited, especially in rural areas, where women often bear the brunt of caregiving responsibilities.
“In many communities, misuse of antibiotics is common due to the scarcity of healthcare services, further increasing the risk of drug-resistant infections,” she says.
Dr Zainab Mohammed, a gynaecologist in Kano State, explains how AMR is dangerous for pregnant women.
“Infections during pregnancy, such as sepsis, can become deadly if antibiotics are ineffective.
“We have seen cases where both mother and baby suffer because the drugs no longer work,” Mohammed says.
The emotional toll on families is profound, as women including Mrs Chidinma Nwankwo, often endure prolonged periods of illness, causing anxiety and distress on their loved ones.
“Every day was a battle.
“I worried not just for my health but for my children. What if I couldn’t care for them? What if I didn’t make it,” Nwankwo narrates.
This fear is a common thread among women facing AMR, showing the urgent need for effective solutions.
Healthcare workers, many of whom are women, face additional risks from AMR.
Mrs Kadijat Aminu, a nurse from Bauchi State, expresses concerns about drug-resistant infections spreading in hospitals.
“Sometimes, we don’t have enough protective equipment. It is scary because we are exposed every day,” Aminu says.
The emotional and physical effects on healthcare workers are much as they navigate the challenges of treating patients with infections that may not respond to available treatments.
Many Nigerian women, especially those in rural areas, face economic and cultural barriers to accessing healthcare.
Infections often go untreated or poorly managed due to limited access to vaccines, pre-natal care and medications.
Some women, including Mrs Chidinma Nwosu, a trader at Garki International Market, FCT, often resort to sharing antibiotics with friends or family members because they can’t afford proper medical treatment, exacerbating the AMR crisis.
Another factor is the overuse of antibiotics in livestock.
In many cases, these drugs are used to promote animal growth, leading to resistant bacteria that affect both animals and humans.
The cycle of misuse and resistance continues, as women in agricultural communities bear the burden of these practices.
Dr Abiodun Egwuenu argues that AMR is a gendered crisis that requires targeted solutions.
“Nigerian women need better access to healthcare and education on antibiotic misuse.
“Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is key to ensuring that women receive the care they need without facing financial hardship,” Egwuenu says.
She urges that policymakers should prioritise women’s health in their strategies to combat AMR, recognising that empowered women can drive positive change in their communities.
Ms Irene Adogboba, a public health specialist, emphasises the intersection of gender, AMR and UHC, urging that women should be at the centre of discussions on AMR.
“Women make up over 70 per cent of the global healthcare workforce but are often excluded from decision-making processes.
“Their voices must be amplified to ensure effective strategies are implemented,” says Adogboba.
Dr Olayinka Umar-Farouk, Deputy Project Director of Risk Communication at Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria, notes that the 2024 UN High-Level Meeting on AMR provided an opportunity to prioritise gender in AMR strategies.
“We must address the unique challenges faced by women in the healthcare system and create pathways for their involvement in decision-making processes,” she urges.
Umar-Farouk believes that AMR is not just a medical issue but a social and gendered crisis that disproportionately affects women.
“If Nigeria is to combat AMR effectively, women must be empowered both as patients and as leaders within the healthcare system.
“With better access to healthcare, education on antibiotic misuse, and stronger support systems, Nigeria can start to turn the tide on this growing threat,” she says.
Analysts are convinced that the time to act is now, urging policymakers, healthcare providers and communities to collaborate to address AMR.
They believe that by prioritising women’s health and well-being, governments will protect lives and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.
Every life lost to infections that were once easily treatable is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.
There is need to work together to combat AMR, safeguard public health and build a resilient healthcare system for all Nigerians.
