In a country where motherhood symbolizes hope and the promise of tomorrow, the painful reality of stillbirths casts a heartbreaking shadow. A new study under the SPEED Project (Improving Nigeria’s Capacity to Use Registered Stillbirths for Decision-making) has exposed a sobering truth: Nigeria records 24 stillbirths per 1,000 total births—double the global target of 12 per 1,000 set by the Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP) for 2030.
The findings, shared during the SPEED Project Dissemination and Closeout Meeting in Abuja, show that more than 400,000 stillbirths occurred between 2014 and 2023. States in the northwest, like Zamfara (53/1,000) and Katsina (52/1,000), are the hardest hit, far exceeding the national average.
A Widening Gap Across States
While states like Osun and Ogun in the southwest have met or surpassed the ENAP target, 11 out of Nigeria’s 37 states still report alarmingly high rates. Some areas, like Delta, Adamawa, and Oyo, were noted for a high proportion of macerated stillbirths—where the baby dies in the womb long before labor begins—suggesting late detection and poor clinical response.
Root Causes: Beyond the Numbers
Dr. Oghome Emembo, the Principal Investigator of the SPEED Project, pointed to multiple factors fueling the crisis: Poor clinical management, Socio-cultural barriers to antenatal care and Weak investment in maternal healthcare
She emphasized that stillbirths are largely preventable, and prevention starts with awareness, early care, and accountability.
Despite the grim statistics, the project recorded some major milestones:
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Stillbirth data is now included in the Federal Ministry of Health’s quarterly reports and featured on the Minister’s dashboard—a critical step toward data-driven policymaking.
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The Helping Babies Breathe programme has been expanded to Zamfara, training midwives and frontline health workers to resuscitate babies at risk of stillbirth.
“We’re optimistic that if these reforms are sustained, we can meet the ENAP target between 2027 and 2030,” said Emembo.
Dr. Evaezi Okpokoro, IRCE Coordinator, highlighted the need to learn from successful models like Osun’s:
“What is Osun doing right? Better infrastructure? Community involvement? Training? We need to understand and replicate it.”
Next Steps: More Than Just Data
One of the biggest revelations from the SPEED Project was the disconnect between data and decision-making. Though data is being collected and stored on platforms like DHIS2, it’s rarely used effectively due to: Outdated digital infrastructure, lack of technical expertise and poor integration between healthcare levels
The Call to Action
The SPEED Project is urging a multi-sectoral approach that includes:
- State-specific interventions
- Replication of best practices from high-performing states
- Continuous training for Skilled Birth Attendants (SBAs)
- Grassroots advocacy and behavioral change programs
“We must not normalize these losses. Stillbirths are not just statistics—they’re avoidable tragedies. And preventing them starts with recognizing them,” Emembo said.
Nigeria can’t afford to ignore this crisis. Preventing stillbirths isn’t just a health issue—it’s a matter of national urgency. With the right investments, training, and commitment to use data for action, the country can move from mourning avoidable deaths to celebrating more healthy births.
