The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reiterated its commitment to improving maternal and newborn healthcare services across Nigeria following the successful management of a complex delivery at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The case involved the birth of quadruplets to Mrs. Mufiat Olateju, who was referred to the tertiary hospital while already in labour. Medical personnel at FMC Abeokuta swiftly responded to the high-risk situation and successfully handled the delivery, stabilising both the mother and her newborns.
After being briefed on the development, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, directed the hospital’s management to ensure the mother and babies receive comprehensive medical care, close monitoring and the necessary support to safeguard their health.
In response, the hospital has commenced full medical care for the mother and the infants while also providing counselling and psychosocial support to the family.
The ministry commended the professionalism and coordinated efforts of the FMC Abeokuta medical team, noting that multiple births such as quadruplets present significant medical challenges and require specialised expertise and monitoring.
It also emphasised the importance of early and consistent antenatal care for pregnant women. According to the minister, regular antenatal visits help health professionals detect potential complications early, improve pregnancy outcomes and ensure safer deliveries.
Health experts say cases like this underscore the need for early antenatal registration and routine monitoring, which allow doctors to identify multiple pregnancies early and plan appropriate delivery care.
Pregnant women were therefore encouraged to register early for antenatal care at recognised health facilities and maintain regular contact with qualified health professionals throughout their pregnancy.
The ministry further highlighted the role of postpartum counselling, including voluntary family planning services, in supporting informed decisions on birth spacing and family wellbeing.
It reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maternal, newborn and child health services nationwide through improved health systems, skilled personnel and expanded access to quality healthcare in a bid to reduce preventable maternal and infant deaths.
The statement was issued on March 13, 2026, by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.