By Prosper Mene, April 7, 2025
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has publicly condemned the nation’s staggering maternal and newborn mortality rates, calling it a pressing crisis that demands immediate national attention. In a passionate address delivered today in Abuja, Tinubu decried the loss of countless lives to preventable causes, thrusting the issue into the spotlight as a top priority for Nigeria’s leadership.
“We cannot continue to accept this tragedy as normal,” Tinubu declared, emphasizing the human toll behind the statistics. “Every mother and child lost is a wound to our nation.” Nigeria remains one of the world’s deadliest places for childbirth, with the World Health Organization estimating that over 50,000 women and 250,000 newborns die annually from complications related to pregnancy and delivery—figures that dwarf those of many peer nations.
Her Excellency’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria’s healthcare system is under intense scrutiny, affected by underfunding, a shortage of medical personnel, and crumbling infrastructure, particularly in rural regions. She vowed to advocate for solutions, including increased investment in maternal care and better access to emergency services, though specifics of her plan remain forthcoming.
The First Lady’s statement has struck a chord with Nigerians, amplifying voices long raised in frustration. Protests in cities like Lagos and Kano this week, reported by local outlets, have seen women marching alongside men to demand better governance, with healthcare disparities a frequent rallying cry.
Experts say the crisis is rooted in deep systemic issues. “Over 60% of births in rural Nigeria happen without skilled attendants,” said Dr. Chidi Okonkwo, a public health specialist in Enugu. “Add poverty and poor roads, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.” Tinubu’s high-profile intervention could pressure the government to act, but skepticism lingers among those who’ve seen past promises falter.
