FG Announces Free C-Sections For Nigerian Women

The Federal Government has announced free Cesarean Sections (C-Sections) for Nigerian women who require the procedure.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammed Ali Pate who made the announcement in Abuja on Thursday, on day 2 of the Joint Annual Review, JAR, conference, said that no woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section.

The development came as the Minister launched the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative, MAMII, a groundbreaking effort by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare aimed at tackling Nigeria’s critical maternal and neonatal mortality rates—among the highest globally.

Through MAMII, it is expected that access to affordable, quality healthcare for mothers and newborns are to be prioritised, focusing on primary health services and community involvement.

A statement on the official X handle of the apex health ministry @Fmohnigeria quoted Pate as saying: “No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section.

Pate assured that the government was committed to improving maternal and neonatal health in Nigeria, saying, “Together, we’re building a future where every Nigerian mother and child can thrive.”

Among key partners that made major commitments during the event was the Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Yahaya, who said, “Traditional institutions and communities are at the heart of health reforms. We’re fully in!”

Also speaking, the Chairman , Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum, Oyebanji Filani noted that “MAMII is a marathon, not a sprint! Health commissioners are al in for implementation.”

C-sections are major surgeries that are recommended when medically necessary. The WHO estimates that around 2.7 percent of births in Nigeria occur through C-Sections. The rate varies by region, with the South-West having the highest rate at 4.7 percent.