On October 4, 2024, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) team visited the Lagos office of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
The CAPPA delegation, comprising Zikora Ibeh, Senior Programmes Manager; Gideon Adeyeni, Community Mobiliser; and Sefa Ikpa, Programme Officer for the Water Campaign, was warmly received by the NANNM Lagos State Administrative Council, led by its Chairman, Mrs. Christiana Adeboboye.
During the meeting, the CAPPA team provided key insights into their core campaigns and advocacy efforts. They discussed their food justice campaign, part of which advocates for an increased tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) as a measure to reduce consumption, address the rising prevalence of noncommunicable diseases, and ultimately enhance public health outcomes. They also shared insights into their water campaign, dwelling on the vital link between access to clean water and improved community well-being.
Recognising the essential frontline role nurses and midwives play in community health, the CAPPA team expressed that health professionals often witness firsthand the negative impacts of inadequate access to clean water and sanitation. On this basis, they proposed collaborative efforts with NANNM to address water inequality and its associated health consequences across Nigeria. They also invited NANNM to join the Our Water Our Right Africa Coalition (OWORAC), a movement opposing water privatisation and advocating for public control of water to ensure equitable access for all.
CAPPA remarked that NANNM’s advocacy would be crucial in amplifying these issues, especially in policy advocacy to secure access to safe drinking water for Nigerians. In turn, Mrs. Adeboboye affirmed NANNM’s commitment to public health and readiness to collaborate with CAPPA on initiatives that support the health and welfare of Nigerian communities. The discussion concluded with a mutual commitment to work together on issues surrounding water access and the health risks posed by SSBs.
Other NANNM Lagos State Administrative Council officials present at the meeting included Awodele Samuel Oyetunde, Vice Chairman; Omodele Rachael Adeola, Financial Secretary; Amusan Kaseem A., Treasurer; Falola Nimota Funmilayo, Auditor II; Fafemi Adenike Susan, Public Relations Officer; Ositade Olusola, Auditor I; and Oloruntoba Odumosu, State Secretary.
