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Nigeria has launched a new national strategy to address an estimated shortage of 30,000 midwives, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health on Wednesday.
The plan, titled Nigeria Strategic Direction for Midwifery 2025–2030, was launched in Abuja during events marking the 2026 International Day of the Midwife.
Speaking at the event, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Ali Pate, represented by Director of Hospital Services Dr Abisola Adegoke, said authorities are implementing initiatives to bridge the gap in midwifery staffing.
“The Ministry is expanding training institutions and increasing student intake for midwifery programmes, while also standardising and modernising education,” Pate said.
He said the strategy would create employment opportunities, remove recruitment bottlenecks, and ensure equitable deployment of midwives, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
“No health system can provide optimal maternal and child health services without an adequate number of skilled midwives,” Pate said.
Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Dr Ndagi Alhassan, said Nigeria ranks among the highest globally in maternal and infant mortality.
Citing data from the World Health Organisation and the World Bank, Alhassan said one in every four maternal deaths globally occurs in Nigeria.
“We must create an enabling environment where midwives can work with autonomy, dignity, and the right tools,” Alhassan said.
President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Haruna Mamman, represented by FCT Chairman Jama Medan, put the national shortfall at about 30,000 midwives.
“Lack of adequate attention to midwife training is one of the challenges we face. Training is underfunded, alongside other critical resources,” Mamman said.
He urged authorities to prioritise improved welfare for midwives. The 2026 International Day of the Midwife was themed “One Million More Midwives.”
