In a renewed effort to tackle Nigeria’s high rate of maternal and infant deaths, the Federal Government has launched a comprehensive strategy aimed at closing an estimated shortfall of 30,000 midwives nationwide.
The initiative, titled Nigeria Strategic Direction for Midwifery 2025–2030, was unveiled in Abuja during activities marking the International Day of the Midwife 2026.
Speaking at the launch, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, said the government is shifting toward a more structured and long-term approach to strengthening the midwifery workforce.
“We are implementing deliberate and strategic initiatives to bridge the gap in the shortage of midwives and improve outcomes for mothers and newborns,” he said.
Represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Abisola Adegoke, the minister explained that the plan focuses on expanding training capacity and aligning education with global best practices.
“We are increasing student intake, expanding training institutions, and modernising midwifery education to meet international standards,” he added.
Beyond training, the government said it will address recruitment challenges and ensure fair distribution of midwives, particularly in rural and underserved communities where maternal deaths remain highest.
“This strategy will also create employment opportunities and remove bottlenecks in recruitment while ensuring equitable deployment,” Pate noted.
He further stressed the critical role midwives play in the healthcare system, warning that no meaningful progress can be made without strengthening the workforce.
“No health system can provide optimal maternal and child health services without an adequate number of skilled midwives,” he said.
Despite ongoing interventions, Nigeria continues to account for a significant proportion of global maternal and child deaths, raising concerns among health stakeholders.
The Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Ndagi Alhassan, described the situation as urgent, calling for sustained investment in both education and workforce development.
“On a global scale, Nigeria ranks among the highest in maternal and infant mortality,” he said.
“Beyond training, we must create an enabling environment where midwives can work with autonomy, dignity, and the right tools.”
Similarly, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Haruna Mamman, attributed the shortage to weak investment in training and support systems.
“Lack of adequate attention to midwife training is one of the challenges we face. Training is underfunded, alongside other critical resources,” he said.
Mamman, represented by FCT Chairman Jama Medan, urged the government to improve welfare and working conditions, noting that doing so would significantly reduce preventable deaths during childbirth.
“Improved welfare and sustained investment in education will go a long way in addressing maternal mortality,” he added.
The theme for this year’s International Day of the Midwife, “One Million More Midwives,” underscores the global shortage of skilled birth attendants and the urgent need for investment in the profession.
Health experts say scaling up the midwifery workforce remains one of the most effective ways to improve maternal and child health outcomes, but warn that the success of Nigeria’s new strategy will depend largely on consistent implementation and political will.