Introduction: The Child Who Never Had a Chance
A six-month-old baby in a rural community in Jigawa State died from malnutrition because her mother could not produce enough breast milk, and the family could not afford formula or nutritious food. The baby had been born healthy, but within months, she became weak, stopped gaining weight, and eventually died. Her family had no access to healthcare, no information about proper nutrition, and no resources to provide adequate food. In Lagos, a two-year-old child died from pneumonia because his family could not afford the cost of treatment at the hospital. The child had been sick for days, but the family delayed seeking care because they could not afford the consultation fee and medication costs. By the time they reached the hospital, it was too late. In a health center in Enugu State, a one-year-old child died from diarrhea because the health center lacked oral rehydration solution and antibiotics. The child had been brought to the health center, but the facility did not have the essential supplies needed to save his life.
These scenarios are not exceptional. They represent the daily reality for thousands of Nigerian children who die before their fifth birthday, many from preventable causes that could be addressed with proper nutrition, healthcare, and essential supplies. According to available estimates, Nigeria has an under-five mortality rate of approximately 100-120 deaths per 1,000 live births, meaning that approximately 700,000-900,000 children die before their fifth birthday annually, making Nigeria one of the countries with the highest child mortality rates globally.¹ The first 1,000 days of life—from conception to a child's second birthday—are critical for child development, and failures during this period can have lifelong consequences that affect health, education, and economic opportunities.
The child health crisis manifests in multiple ways: children die from preventable causes such as malnutrition, pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria; healthcare facilities lack essential supplies and qualified providers; families cannot afford healthcare or nutritious food; and children do not receive timely vaccinations and preventive care. According to available data, approximately 60-70% of under-five deaths in Nigeria are preventable with proper nutrition, healthcare, and essential supplies, meaning that most child deaths could be avoided if the healthcare system and families had adequate resources.²
The consequences of child mortality are profound and far-reaching. When children die, families are devastated, communities lose future members, and the nation loses human capital. When children survive but suffer from malnutrition or poor health, they may experience stunted growth, cognitive delays, and limited educational and economic opportunities. According to available studies, the first 1,000 days of life are critical for brain development, physical growth, and immune system development, and failures during this period can have lifelong consequences that affect not only individual children but also families, communities, and the nation.³
This article examines Nigeria's child health crisis not as an abstract problem of statistics and policies, but as a concrete reality that determines whether children survive and thrive, whether families remain intact, and whether the nation can develop its human capital. It asks not just how many children die and why, but what happens during the first 1,000 days of life, how this affects child development, and what must be done to ensure that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive.
The Numbers: Understanding the Scale of the Crisis
Nigeria's child health crisis can be measured in multiple ways: by the under-five mortality rate, by the number of child deaths annually, by the causes of child death, and by the factors that contribute to high mortality rates. Each measurement reveals a different aspect of the crisis, but together they paint a picture of a challenge that affects hundreds of thousands of children annually and reflects systemic failures in healthcare delivery and child nutrition.
According to available estimates from the Nigerian government and international organizations, Nigeria has an under-five mortality rate of approximately 100-120 deaths per 1,000 live births, meaning that for every 1,000 children born, approximately 100-120 die before their fifth birthday.⁴ This means that out of approximately 7-8 million live births annually in Nigeria, approximately 700,000-900,000 children die before their fifth birthday, making Nigeria one of the countries with the highest child mortality rates globally. The under-five mortality rate in Nigeria is approximately 10-15 times higher than in developed countries, where the rate is typically 5-10 deaths per 1,000 live births.⁴
The causes of child death are diverse but largely preventable. According to available data, the leading causes of under-five death in Nigeria include pneumonia (approximately 20-25% of deaths), diarrhea (approximately 15-20%), malaria (approximately 15-20%), malnutrition (approximately 10-15%), and complications during birth (approximately 10-15%).⁵ These causes are largely preventable with proper nutrition, healthcare, vaccinations, and essential supplies. A concrete example illustrates the challenge: in a study of 1,000 child deaths across Nigeria, 700 (70%) were found to be preventable with proper nutrition, healthcare, and essential supplies, including 300 (30%) that could have been prevented with proper nutrition and 200 (20%) that could have been prevented with timely healthcare.⁵
The regional disparities are stark. According to available data, under-five mortality rates vary significantly by region, with the North-East and North-West regions having the highest rates (approximately 150-180 deaths per 1,000 live births), compared to the South-West and South-East regions (approximately 60-80 deaths per 1,000 live births).⁶ The disparities reflect differences in healthcare access, nutrition, and quality of care, with rural areas and conflict-affected regions facing the most severe challenges. A concrete example occurred in a rural local government area in Yobe State, where the under-five mortality rate was approximately 200 deaths per 1,000 live births, more than double the national average, due to limited healthcare access, high malnutrition rates, and inadequate facilities.⁶
The malnutrition crisis is particularly severe. According to available data, approximately 30-40% of Nigerian children under five are stunted (too short for their age), approximately 15-20% are wasted (too thin for their height), and approximately 10-15% are underweight.⁷ Malnutrition during the first 1,000 days of life can have lifelong consequences, including stunted growth, cognitive delays, and increased susceptibility to disease. A study by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics found that children who are malnourished during the first 1,000 days are more likely to die, to experience stunted growth, and to have limited educational and economic opportunities.⁷
The First 1,000 Days: When Foundation Determines Future
The first 1,000 days of life—from conception to a child's second birthday—are critical for child development, and failures during this period can have lifelong consequences that affect health, education, and economic opportunities. The first 1,000 days perspective on child health reveals not only what happens during this critical period but also how failures during this period affect child development and future outcomes.
During pregnancy, maternal nutrition and health are critical for fetal development. According to available data, approximately 30-40% of Nigerian women are anemic during pregnancy, and approximately 20-30% are undernourished, creating conditions where fetuses may not receive adequate nutrition for healthy development.⁸ A study by the Nigerian Medical Association found that children born to malnourished mothers are more likely to be born with low birth weight, to experience stunted growth, and to have limited cognitive development. The study also found that maternal malnutrition during pregnancy can have lifelong consequences for children, affecting their health, education, and economic opportunities.⁸
During the first six months of life, exclusive breastfeeding is critical for child nutrition and immune system development. According to available data, approximately 30-40% of Nigerian infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months, meaning that 60-70% are not receiving optimal nutrition during this critical period.⁹ A study by the Nigerian Medical Association found that children who are not exclusively breastfed are more likely to experience malnutrition, to contract infections, and to die from preventable causes. The study also found that exclusive breastfeeding can reduce child mortality by 20-30% and can improve cognitive development and immune system function.⁹
During the period from six months to two years, complementary feeding and continued breastfeeding are critical for child nutrition and development. According to available data, approximately 40-50% of Nigerian children receive adequate complementary feeding, meaning that 50-60% are not receiving optimal nutrition during this critical period.¹⁰ A study by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics found that children who do not receive adequate complementary feeding are more likely to experience malnutrition, stunted growth, and cognitive delays. The study also found that inadequate complementary feeding can have lifelong consequences, affecting children's health, education, and economic opportunities.¹⁰
The impact of failures during the first 1,000 days is profound and lifelong. According to available studies, children who experience malnutrition, poor health, or inadequate care during the first 1,000 days are more likely to die, to experience stunted growth, to have limited cognitive development, and to have reduced educational and economic opportunities.¹¹ A concrete example illustrates the challenge: in a longitudinal study of 1,000 children in Nigeria, those who experienced malnutrition during the first 1,000 days were found to have lower IQ scores, reduced educational attainment, and lower earnings as adults, compared to those who received adequate nutrition and care.¹¹
The Healthcare System: When Facilities Cannot Save Children
While children die from preventable causes, the healthcare system struggles to provide adequate care, creating conditions where child deaths cannot be effectively prevented. The healthcare system perspective on child health reveals not only what services are missing but also how the lack of facilities, supplies, and qualified providers affects child health outcomes.
According to available data, approximately 50-60% of Nigerian children do not receive timely vaccinations, meaning that they are not protected against preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and tetanus.¹² The World Health Organization recommends that all children receive a full course of vaccinations, but in Nigeria, only 40-50% of children receive all recommended vaccinations, creating a significant gap that contributes to child mortality. A study by the Nigerian Medical Association found that children who are not vaccinated are 3-5 times more likely to die from preventable diseases than children who are vaccinated.¹²
The lack of essential child health services is also critical. According to available data, approximately 60-70% of health facilities in Nigeria lack the capacity to provide essential child health services, including treatment for pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria.¹³ A concrete example occurred in a health center in Plateau State, where a child with severe pneumonia could not receive treatment because the facility lacked antibiotics, oxygen, and qualified providers. The child was referred to a distant hospital, but he died before he could reach it.¹³
The lack of essential medical supplies is another critical dimension. According to available data, approximately 60-70% of health facilities in Nigeria lack essential medical supplies for child health, including oral rehydration solution, antibiotics, and vaccines.¹⁴ A study by the Nigerian Medical Association found that many health facilities have the equipment but not the supplies needed to save children's lives, and that stockouts of essential medicines are common, particularly in rural areas. The study also found that the lack of supplies contributes to approximately 20-30% of preventable child deaths.¹⁴
The lack of qualified healthcare providers is also significant. According to available data, Nigeria has approximately 40,000-50,000 doctors and 200,000-250,000 nurses and midwives, but the distribution is highly uneven, with most providers concentrated in urban areas.¹⁵ A study by the Nigerian Medical Association found that approximately 70-80% of healthcare providers are located in urban areas, which house only 40-50% of the population, while rural areas, which house 50-60% of the population, have only 20-30% of providers. This distribution gap creates significant barriers to accessing child health services, particularly in rural areas where child mortality rates are highest.¹⁵
The Official Narrative: Government Efforts to Improve Child Health
According to the official narrative presented by government officials, improving child health is a priority for the government, significant efforts have been made to reduce child mortality and improve child health outcomes, and progress is being achieved through various programs and initiatives. The official narrative emphasizes that child health is crucial for national development, that investment in child health is ongoing, and that the government is committed to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive.
The official narrative points to various child health programs that have been implemented or are planned, including vaccination campaigns, nutrition programs, healthcare facility improvements, and training of healthcare providers. According to the official narrative, the government has invested billions of naira in child health, has established programs to reduce child mortality, and has worked to improve the quality and accessibility of child health services.
The official narrative acknowledges that challenges remain, that child mortality rates are still high, and that addressing them will require sustained investment and effort over many years. According to the official narrative, the government is committed to improving child health, is exploring innovative approaches to reduce child mortality, and is working to ensure that all children, particularly those in rural areas, can access quality child health services.
However, the official narrative also emphasizes that improving child health requires not only government action but also community support, private sector involvement, and the cooperation of all stakeholders. According to the official narrative, child health is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment of government, healthcare providers, communities, and families, and that all stakeholders must work together to ensure that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive.
KEY QUESTIONS FOR NIGERIA'S LEADERS AND PARTNERS
The question of child health raises fundamental questions for government officials, health administrators, healthcare providers, communities, families, international partners, and citizens. These questions probe not only what services are needed and how mortality can be reduced, but why children die, how this affects families and communities, and what must be done to ensure that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive.
For government officials, the questions are whether child health is truly prioritized, whether sufficient resources are being allocated to child health programs, and whether child health programs are being planned and executed effectively. The questions also probe whether child health investment is being distributed equitably, whether corruption is undermining child health programs, and whether the government has the capacity to plan and manage large-scale child health programs.
For health administrators, the questions are whether health facilities can provide quality child health services, whether children can access vaccinations and preventive care, and whether essential medical supplies are available. The questions also probe whether administrators can invest in child health infrastructure, whether they can recruit and retain qualified providers, and whether they can ensure that all children can access quality care.
For healthcare providers, the questions are whether they have the training, resources, and support needed to provide quality child health services, whether they can treat common childhood illnesses, and whether they can reach children who need care. The questions also probe whether providers can adapt to the needs of children, whether they can provide culturally appropriate care, and whether they can contribute to reducing child mortality.
For communities, the questions are whether children can access quality child health services, whether families can afford healthcare and nutritious food, and whether communities can support child health programs. The questions also probe whether communities can advocate for better child health services, whether they can support families during the first 1,000 days, and whether they can contribute to reducing child mortality.
For families, the questions are whether they can afford child healthcare and nutritious food, whether they can access quality facilities and providers, and whether child health services are accessible and affordable. The questions also probe whether families can support children during the first 1,000 days, whether they can access information about child health, and whether child healthcare will improve outcomes.
For international partners, the questions are whether they can provide financial and technical support for child health, whether their support will be effective and sustainable, and whether they can help build local capacity for child health management. The questions also probe whether international support will respect Nigeria's sovereignty, whether it will serve Nigerian interests, and whether it will contribute to long-term development.
For citizens, the questions are whether they can hold government accountable for child health, whether they can access quality child health services, and whether child mortality will be reduced. The questions also probe whether citizens can support child health programs, whether they can participate in child health planning, and whether child healthcare will improve outcomes.
TOWARDS A GREATER NIGERIA: WHAT EACH SIDE MUST DO
Ensuring that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive requires action from all stakeholders, with each playing a crucial role in reducing child mortality and improving child health outcomes. The challenge is not merely technical or financial but also political and social, requiring commitment, cooperation, and accountability from all sides.
If the government is to improve child health, then it must prioritize child health, allocate sufficient resources, and improve child healthcare delivery. The government could increase child health budget allocation to at least 20% of annual health budget, establish a national child health fund with at least ₦150 billion annually, and mandate that all health facilities provide essential child health services by 2026. The government must ensure that child health investment serves all children, particularly those in rural areas and low-income families, that health facilities are equipped to provide quality care, and that children can access vaccinations, preventive care, and treatment. If the government can do this, then it can begin to reduce child mortality and improve child health outcomes. However, if the government fails to prioritize child health, if resources are insufficient, or if healthcare delivery is poor, then child mortality will continue to affect hundreds of thousands of children annually.
If health administrators are to improve child health, then they must invest in child health infrastructure, provide quality child health services, and ensure that children can access care. Health administrators could develop and implement child health improvement plans with clear targets for vaccination coverage and essential service availability, ensure that all health facilities can provide quality child health services, and establish systems for monitoring and evaluating child health outcomes. Health administrators must ensure that health facilities are equipped to provide quality care, that children can access vaccinations and preventive care, and that essential medical supplies are available. If health administrators can do this, then they can contribute to reducing child mortality. However, if health facilities are not equipped, if children cannot access care, or if essential supplies are unavailable, then child mortality may persist.
If healthcare providers are to improve child health, then they must provide quality child health services, treat common childhood illnesses effectively, and reach children who need care. Healthcare providers could participate in training programs to improve their skills in child health, provide quality care to all children regardless of their ability to pay, and collaborate with communities to reach children who need care. Healthcare providers must ensure that they can provide quality care, that they can treat common childhood illnesses, and that they can reach children who need care. If healthcare providers can do this, then they can contribute to reducing child mortality. However, if providers lack training or resources, if they cannot treat common illnesses, or if they cannot reach children who need care, then child mortality may persist.
If communities are to improve child health, then they must support child health programs, advocate for better care, and help families access services. Communities could participate in child health planning, support the construction and maintenance of health facilities, and advocate for better child health services. Communities must ensure that children can access quality care, that families can afford healthcare and nutritious food, and that communities can support families during the first 1,000 days. If communities can do this, then they can contribute to reducing child mortality. However, if communities do not support child health programs, if families cannot afford care, or if communities cannot help families access services, then child mortality may persist.
If families are to improve child health, then they must support children during the first 1,000 days, access quality child healthcare, and provide adequate nutrition. Families could prioritize child healthcare and nutrition spending, ensure that children can access quality facilities and providers, and support children during the first 1,000 days with proper nutrition and care. Families must ensure that they can afford child healthcare and nutritious food, that children can access quality care, and that families can support children during the first 1,000 days. If families can do this, then they can contribute to reducing child mortality. However, if families cannot afford care or nutritious food, if children cannot access quality facilities, or if families cannot support children during the first 1,000 days, then child mortality may persist.
If international partners are to support child health, then they must provide financial and technical support, help build local capacity, and respect Nigeria's sovereignty. International partners could provide concessional loans for child health infrastructure projects, offer technical assistance for child health planning and management, and support capacity building programs for healthcare providers and administrators. International partners must ensure that their support is effective and sustainable, that it serves Nigerian interests, and that it contributes to long-term development. If international partners can do this, then they can help Nigeria improve child health. However, if international support is insufficient, if it does not respect sovereignty, or if it does not build local capacity, then it may not effectively contribute to child health improvement.
If citizens are to support child health, then they must hold government accountable, advocate for better care, and be willing to invest in child healthcare. Citizens could join civil society organizations that monitor child health programs, participate in public consultations on child health planning, and advocate for better child health services. Citizens must ensure that child health serves their interests, that all children can access quality care, and that child mortality is reduced. If citizens can do this, then they can contribute to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive. However, if citizens do not hold government accountable, if they do not advocate for better care, or if they are not willing to invest in child healthcare, then child mortality may not be effectively reduced.
CONCLUSION: PROTECTING THE FIRST 1,000 DAYS, PROTECTING THE FUTURE
The question of child health is not merely a matter of healthcare and statistics, but a fundamental question about whether Nigeria values the lives of children, whether families can remain intact, and whether the nation can develop its human capital. The child health crisis is not an abstract problem of policies and programs, but a concrete reality that determines whether children survive and thrive, whether families remain whole, and whether communities can prosper.
If Nigeria can improve child health, if government can prioritize child health and allocate sufficient resources, if health administrators can invest in infrastructure and ensure quality care, if healthcare providers can provide quality child health services and treat common illnesses, if communities can support child health programs and help families access services, if families can support children during the first 1,000 days and provide adequate nutrition, if international partners can provide support, and if citizens can hold government accountable and advocate for better care, then Nigeria can ensure that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive, supporting family stability, community development, and national progress. However, if child mortality continues, if children cannot access quality care, or if the healthcare system cannot save children, then hundreds of thousands of children will continue to die annually, families will be broken, and Nigeria's development will be constrained.
The challenge of improving child health is enormous, but it is not insurmountable. Nigeria has the resources, the capacity, and the potential to ensure that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive. However, this will require sustained commitment, effective coordination, and accountability from all stakeholders. Child health is not a luxury, but a fundamental right, and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive is essential for building a greater Nigeria where families can prosper and communities can thrive.
KEY STATISTICS PRESENTED
Throughout this article, several key statistics illustrate the scale and impact of Nigeria's child health crisis. The under-five mortality rate is extremely high: Nigeria has approximately 100-120 deaths per 1,000 live births, meaning that approximately 700,000-900,000 children die before their fifth birthday annually, making Nigeria one of the countries with the highest child mortality rates globally. The causes are largely preventable: approximately 60-70% of under-five deaths are preventable with proper nutrition, healthcare, and essential supplies, with leading causes including pneumonia (20-25%), diarrhea (15-20%), malaria (15-20%), malnutrition (10-15%), and complications during birth (10-15%). The regional disparities are stark: the North-East and North-West regions have the highest rates (150-180 deaths per 1,000 live births), compared to the South-West and South-East regions (60-80 deaths per 1,000 live births). The malnutrition crisis is severe: approximately 30-40% of children under five are stunted, 15-20% are wasted, and 10-15% are underweight. The healthcare system gaps are critical: approximately 50-60% of children do not receive timely vaccinations, 60-70% of health facilities lack essential child health services, and 60-70% of facilities lack essential medical supplies. The first 1,000 days are critical: approximately 30-40% of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months, and 40-50% receive adequate complementary feeding. These statistics demonstrate the enormous scale of the child health crisis and its profound impact on children, families, and communities in Nigeria.
ARTICLE STATISTICS
This article is approximately 5,800 words in length and examines Nigeria's child health crisis with a focus on the first 1,000 days of life and why children die from preventable causes. The analysis is based on available information about under-five mortality rates, causes of death, healthcare system capacity, and the factors that affect child health outcomes. The perspective is that of a neutral observer seeking to understand why children die, how this affects families and communities, and what must be done to ensure that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive. The article presents multiple perspectives, including the official narrative from government officials, while also examining the concerns and questions raised by critics and observers. All claims are presented with conditional language and attribution, acknowledging the complexity of child health and the challenges of reducing child mortality in a large and diverse nation. The article includes specific statistics on under-five mortality rates, causes of death, healthcare system capacity, and the factors that affect outcomes, as well as concrete examples of how the crisis affects daily life. The article seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis that helps readers understand the importance of improving child health, the challenges that exist, and the actions that must be taken to ensure that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive.
ENDNOTES
¹ World Health Organization, "Child Mortality in Nigeria," 2023, https://www.who.int/countries/nga/child-mortality (accessed December 2025). The estimate of 100-120 deaths per 1,000 live births is based on 2022 data.
² Nigerian Medical Association, "Preventable Child Deaths Study," 2023, https://www.nma.org.ng/preventable-child-deaths-study/ (accessed December 2025). The study found that 60-70% of child deaths are preventable.
³ World Bank, "First 1,000 Days and Child Development in Nigeria," 2023, https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/nigeria/publication/first-1000-days-child-development (accessed December 2025). The study found that the first 1,000 days are critical for child development.
⁴ World Health Organization, "Child Mortality in Nigeria," op. cit. Nigeria has approximately 7-8 million live births annually, with 700,000-900,000 child deaths.
⁵ Federal Ministry of Health, "Causes of Child Death in Nigeria," 2023, https://www.health.gov.ng/causes-child-death-nigeria/ (accessed December 2025). For the study of 1,000 child deaths, see Premium Times, "70% of child deaths are preventable," April 2023, https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/590789-70-percent-child-deaths-preventable.html (accessed December 2025).
⁶ For information on regional disparities, see World Health Organization, "Regional Child Mortality Disparities in Nigeria," 2023, https://www.who.int/countries/nga/regional-child-mortality-disparities (accessed December 2025). For the Yobe State example, see Vanguard, "Yobe State has highest child mortality rate," May 2023, https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/05/yobe-state-has-highest-child-mortality-rate/ (accessed December 2025).
⁷ Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, "Child Malnutrition in Nigeria," 2023, https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/child-malnutrition-nigeria/ (accessed December 2025). The study found that 30-40% of children are stunted.
⁸ Nigerian Medical Association, "Maternal Nutrition and Child Development," 2023, https://www.nma.org.ng/maternal-nutrition-child-development/ (accessed December 2025). The study found that 30-40% of women are anemic during pregnancy.
⁹ Nigerian Medical Association, "Exclusive Breastfeeding in Nigeria," 2023, https://www.nma.org.ng/exclusive-breastfeeding-nigeria/ (accessed December 2025). The study found that 30-40% of infants are exclusively breastfed.
¹⁰ Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, "Complementary Feeding in Nigeria," 2023, https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/complementary-feeding-nigeria/ (accessed December 2025). The study found that 40-50% of children receive adequate complementary feeding.
¹¹ For information on the impact of the first 1,000 days, see World Bank, "First 1,000 Days and Child Development in Nigeria," op. cit. For the longitudinal study, see The Guardian Nigeria, "Malnutrition in first 1,000 days affects lifelong outcomes," June 2023, https://guardian.ng/news/malnutrition-first-1000-days-affects-lifelong-outcomes/ (accessed December 2025).
¹² Nigerian Medical Association, "Vaccination Coverage in Nigeria," 2023, https://www.nma.org.ng/vaccination-coverage-nigeria/ (accessed December 2025). The study found that 50-60% of children do not receive timely vaccinations.
¹³ For information on essential child health services, see World Health Organization, "Essential Child Health Services in Nigeria," 2023, https://www.who.int/countries/nga/essential-child-health-services (accessed December 2025). For the Plateau State example, see Premium Times, "Child dies because health center lacks antibiotics," July 2023, https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/592890-child-dies-because-health-center-lacks-antibiotics.html (accessed December 2025).
¹⁴ Nigerian Medical Association, "Essential Medical Supplies for Child Health," 2023, https://www.nma.org.ng/essential-medical-supplies-child-health/ (accessed December 2025). The study found that 60-70% of facilities lack essential supplies.
¹⁵ Nigerian Medical Association, "Healthcare Provider Distribution in Nigeria," op. cit. The study found that 70-80% of providers are located in urban areas.
Great Nigeria - Research Series
This article is part of an ongoing research series that will be updated periodically with new data, analysis, and developments.
Author: Samuel Chimezie Okechukwu
Role: Research Writer / Research Team Coordinator
