Nigeria’s maternal health system is under mounting pressure as only about 2,200 registered obstetricians and gynaecologists serve a population exceeding 240 million, with nearly seven million births recorded annually.
The alarming figure was disclosed by the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), raising fresh concerns over Nigeria’s rising maternal mortality rate and the country’s ability to meet global health targets.
Nigeria Needs Over 7,000 Gynaecologists — SOGON
In an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, the Second Vice President of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Prof. Christopher Aimakhu, said Nigeria requires more than 7,000 practising obstetricians and gynaecologists to adequately serve its growing population.
According to him, the current workforce is grossly inadequate, with most specialists concentrated in major urban centres such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu — leaving rural communities critically underserved.
“You cannot talk of a shortage of gynaecologists in Lagos. There are plenty in Lagos and Abuja,” Aimakhu explained. “But in states like Kebbi or Niger, there may be only 10 to 15 specialists for the entire state — which is dangerously low.”
Rural Areas Hit Hardest by Maternal Mortality
The shortage of skilled birth attendants is particularly devastating in rural Nigeria, where insecurity, poor infrastructure, and inadequate health facilities persist.
Aimakhu linked the rural–urban migration of doctors to:
Frequent kidnappings and insecurity
Poor remuneration
Deteriorating hospital equipment and facilities
In states like Zamfara, several gynaecologists reportedly fled after cases of kidnapping, further worsening access to maternal care.
Rural regions currently account for approximately 43 per cent of maternal deaths nationwide, with estimates ranging between 500 and 800 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Nigeria’s Maternal Mortality Among Highest Globally
Nigeria ranks third globally in maternal mortality and accounts for an estimated 34 per cent of global maternal deaths.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s maternal mortality ratio stood at 993 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023 — far above the Sustainable Development Goal target of 70 per 100,000 by 2030.
With a fertility rate of 4.8 children per woman, as reported in the 2023–2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, the pressure on maternal healthcare services continues to intensify.
‘Japa’ Brain Drain Worsens Doctor Shortage
Nigeria’s healthcare workforce crisis has been compounded by the ongoing “japa” wave — the mass migration of skilled professionals abroad.
The President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Bala Audu, previously revealed that Nigerian doctors are heavily recruited by countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Dubai due to their high-quality training.
“If you divide Nigeria’s estimated population of 240 million by about 30,000 practising doctors, the doctor-patient ratio becomes 1:8,000,” Audu stated.
Estimates suggest Nigeria needs about 300,000 doctors to effectively serve its population but currently has only between 30,000 and 40,000 practising physicians.
75% Decline in Gynaecologists Since 2023
In 2023, reports indicated Nigeria had roughly 9,000 gynaecologists. However, new figures from SOGON suggest a staggering 75.6 per cent decline, leaving only about 2,200 specialists currently practising.
This dramatic drop raises red flags for maternal health outcomes, especially as Nigeria records seven million births annually, according to United Nations data.
Midwifery System Also Overwhelmed
The shortage extends beyond doctors. Nigeria’s midwifery workforce — historically the frontline of maternal care — is severely overstretched.
As of 2023:
Fewer than 200,000 midwives serve over 217 million Nigerians.
The World Health Organization recommends 44.5 midwives per 10,000 people.
Nigeria would require approximately 700,000 additional nurses and midwives to meet the minimum global benchmark.
The practical implications are stark:
Long antenatal clinic queue
Overcrowded labour wards
Overworked health personnel
Increased reliance on unqualified birth attendants
For many women, especially in remote communities, access to skilled care often comes too late — when complications have already escalated.
Urban Concentration Leaves Many States Vulnerable
While states like Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Edo benefit from teaching hospitals and private facilities that attract specialists, several northern and middle-belt states face acute shortages.
States including Niger, Kogi, Kebbi, Jigawa, and Zamfara reportedly have minimal gynaecology presence, further widening healthcare inequality across the country.
Nigeria’s SDG Target at Risk
With the current maternal mortality ratio and declining specialist numbers, Nigeria risks missing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal target of reducing maternal deaths to 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
Experts warn that without urgent intervention — improved security, better pay, infrastructure investment, and workforce expansion — Nigeria’s maternal health crisis could deepen further.
