Dare Babalola
Amidst her purported suspension by the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has issued a passionate plea to Nigerian leaders to prioritise the health and well-being of women by investing in free emergency C-section programs.
Speaking at a policy dialogue marking International Women’s Day in Abuja, Kingibe noted that making life-saving maternity services free is not only a moral imperative but also a smart economic investment.
“For a country that accounts for about 28.5% of global maternal deaths, with 576–1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births, it is imperative that we take drastic measures to reverse this trend,” Kingibe stated in a post she made via Facebook on Thursday.
She attributed the high maternal mortality rate to delays in seeking care, reaching hospitals, or receiving treatment due to inability to pay, with the cost of emergency C-sections ranging from ₦60,000 to ₦100,000, a sum unaffordable for many Nigerians living below the poverty line.
To address this challenge, Kingibe proposed the creation of a Maternal Health Trust Fund to sustainably fund maternal health initiatives, emphasising that investing in women’s health is a critical component of economic development.
“Making life-saving maternity services free would save lives, reduce poverty, and strengthen Nigeria’s economy,” she said.
Other speakers at the event echoed Kingibe’s sentiments, stressing the need for urgent action to address Nigeria’s maternal mortality crisis.
They also encouraged the media to promote awareness of the government’s Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) launched in 2024, which aims to cut maternal deaths by 30% and neonatal deaths by 20% in 172 high-risk local government areas.
Kingibe’s call to action comes amidst her purported suspension by the Wuse ward chapter of the ADC in FCT.
The announcement was made by the ward chairman, Kanayo Chukwu, during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja.
Chukwu said the decision followed a general meeting of the ward held on March 10, 2026, where members deliberated on several allegations against the senator.
According to him, the meeting reportedly had more than 2,000 participants and examined accusations including: Confiscation of the ward register, Running a parallel membership registration process, Persistent absence from ward meetings, Failure to pay statutory party dues, Acts considered insubordinate to party leadership.
He said members resolved to suspend the senator after what he described as serious breaches of party rules.
“After due consideration of the above grave offences, a motion was moved by the general house for the immediate suspension of Senator Ireti Kingibe, and it was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the executives present,” Chukwu said.
