The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has celebrated Nigerian Midwives as critical frontline providers in Nigeria’s health architecture.
Commemorating the 2026 International Day of the Midwife, the Minister said there is a national renewed policy focus on strengthening maternal and neonatal healthcare systems, recognizing midwives
Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim aligned Nigeria’s commemoration with global recognition of midwives’ role in safeguarding lives at birth and across the continuum of care.
Highlighting their essential contributions, the Minister stated:
“Midwives are far more than skilled birth attendants; they are trusted caregivers, advocates, and lifelines for women, newborns, and families.”
She emphasised the strategic importance of midwives within Nigeria’s primary healthcare framework, particularly in underserved communities where access to medical services remains limited.
According to her, their presence directly supports national efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and improve health outcomes.
The 2026 commemoration, she noted, aligns with reforms under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises women, children, and families within the Renewed Hope Agenda, underscoring the policy direction driving current interventions:
“This year’s commemoration is particularly significant as it aligns with the bold national priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places women, children, and families at the centre of national development.”
Central to this approach is the rollout of the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions 774 (RH-SII-774), a nationwide platform targeting all local government areas with integrated, community-based services.
The Minister described the initiative as a vehicle for expanding access and strengthening delivery systems:
“Through the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions 774 (RH-SII-774), a nationwide delivery platform operating across all 774 Local Government Areas, the Federal Government is scaling integrated, community-level interventions that strengthen maternal health systems, empower frontline health workers, and expand access to quality care for women and families.”
Reaffirming government commitment, the Minister stressed the long-term value of sustained investment in midwifery:
“As a Ministry, we reaffirm that investing in midwifery is investing in life itself.”
The Minister also highlighted the Presidential declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development as a reinforcing framework for building resilient family systems through improved maternal and child health services.
Commending midwives nationwide, the Minister stated: “Your work saves lives, builds hope, and sustains communities.”
The Minister reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to advancing policies and programmes that support midwives, strengthen healthcare delivery systems, and ensure equitable access to quality care for all Nigerian women and families.
