Nigeria Unveils National Strategy to Address Midwifery Shortage
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a comprehensive national strategy aimed at tackling the pressing shortage of midwives, estimated at 30,000. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce the country’s alarmingly high maternal and infant mortality rates.
Launch of the Strategic Plan
On Wednesday, the Federal Ministry of Health introduced the plan titled “Nigeria Strategic Direction for Midwifery 2025-2030” in Abuja, coinciding with events commemorating the 2026 International Day of Midwives. A statement from the Assistant Press Secretary of the Ministry, Ado Bako, highlighted the plan’s objectives.
Government’s Commitment to Strengthening Midwifery
During the launch, Professor Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Care, emphasized that the government is taking “deliberate and strategic efforts” to bridge the gap in midwifery services. This undertaking aims to bolster the midwifery workforce and enhance health outcomes for mothers and newborns.
Modernizing Education and Expanding Training
Represented by Dr. Abisola Adegoke, Director of Hospital Services, Mr. Pate outlined the roadmap, which will involve growing the number of training institutions and student admissions while updating midwifery education to align with international standards. “We are committed to expanding our training capacities,” he stated.
Creating Opportunities and Addressing Distribution Challenges
The strategy is designed to generate job opportunities, break through recruitment barriers, and ensure the equitable allocation of midwives, particularly in rural and underserved areas where maternal mortality is most pronounced. The government is also focused on competency-based training and ongoing professional development, with a special emphasis on high-burden regions as part of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative.
Urgent Need for Workforce Investment
Despite various interventions, Nigeria continues to contribute significantly to global maternal and child mortality figures. Dr. Ndagi Alhassan, Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, argued that immediate investment in workforce development and quality education is crucial to reversing this trend. “Nigeria ranks among the countries with the highest maternal and infant mortality rates globally,” he noted, stressing the importance of creating a supportive work environment for midwives.
Challenges Facing Midwifery Training
Haruna Mamman, President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, highlighted the lack of funding for midwifery training as a significant challenge. He pointed out that insufficient attention has been given to midwifery education, exacerbated by weak support structures. Mamman urged authorities to prioritize enhancing the welfare of midwives, as better working conditions and sustained investments in education could lead to significant reductions in maternal fatalities.
Global Context and Local Implications
The theme for International Midwifery Day 2026, “One million more midwives,” reinforces the urgent call for increased investment in the midwifery profession amid a global shortage of skilled practitioners. Health experts assert that expanding the midwifery workforce is one of the most cost-effective strategies to improve maternal and child health outcomes. For Nigeria, the effectiveness of the new strategy hinges on ongoing implementation and the political will to address workforce gaps and prevent needless deaths during childbirth.
