Nigeria’s health sector has recorded significant progress, with a 17 per cent reduction in maternal deaths and a 12 per cent reduction in newborn deaths in high-burden local government areas, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, announced on Tuesday.
Speaking at a ministerial press conference in Abuja to announce the Joint Annual Review (JAR) 2025, the 66th National Council on Health (NCH) and the launch of the second cohort of National Health Fellows (NHF), Pate described the development as “good news for Nigerians” and a reflection of the ongoing transformation in the country’s health sector.
According to him, “in the 172 local governments that accounted for more than half of maternal deaths in Nigeria, we have seen a 17 percent reduction in maternal deaths and a 12 percent reduction in newborn deaths. It shows that this can be done and that our collective efforts are starting to bear fruit.”
The minister said the achievements came after sustained interventions under the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Initiative (MAMI), which has revitalized 435 health centers and recruited more than 15,000 community health workers in priority states.
“Skilled birth attendance has increased and more than 4,000 cesarean sections have been performed at NHIA facilities in these local governments,” he added.
Pate noted that broader health sector indicators also show steady progress, with improvements in prenatal care coverage, adoption of family planning and utilization of primary health care.
“Primary health care attendance has increased from 10 million in the first quarter of 2024 to 45 million in the second quarter of 2025, almost four times more. This shows that Nigerians are increasingly trusting and using the health system.”
According to the minister, Nigeria has achieved 37 of the 41 key performance indicators (KPIs) set under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, while 35 out of 36 states, plus the FCT, have conducted their own state-level performance reviews.
“For the first time, we are seeing full alignment between the federal and state governments on health sector priorities. One hundred percent of states now have annual operating plans that reflect the national health plan.”
The 2025 Joint Annual Review, themed “All One Mission: Shining a Light on Nigeria’s Health Sector”, will assess progress made since 2023 and introduce an updated health compact that includes local governments, private sector actors, traditional and religious leaders and civil society organisations.
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“This pact will help us move closer to universal health coverage. Our goal is to ensure that all Nigerians, regardless of their location or status, have access to quality healthcare.”
While praising progress, the minister acknowledged persistent challenges, particularly in health financing and affordability.
“We are not out of the woods yet,” Pate warned. “We must continue to improve financing, from both federal and state sources, and expand health insurance so Nigerians can afford care. But the trajectory is positive and the results show that our reforms are working.”
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