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By Okechukwu Onuegbu
A consortium of over 100 civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria has advocated for transparency and accountability in implementing the $1 billion federal government approved to address the urgent challenge of child and maternal mortality across 36 States of the federation.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate had on March 9, 2025, signals a renewed commitment to safeguarding the lives of Nigerian mothers and children during the launch of the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII) in Ogun State.
The group stated this in a statement signed by African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), African Network for Anticorruption (ANA), Agnemark Initiative for Sustainability and Social Development, Alabaster Jar Foundation for Teenage Moms, Alheri Peace Building and Empowerment Foundation (APBEF), and Amaclare Connect & Development Initiative, among others.
They said the initiative called for a clear framework to track progress, regular public reporting on fund utilization, and the inclusion of civil society organizations in monitoring and evaluation processes.
According to the consortium, success of this initiative hinges on its effective implementation through accountable and transparent processes because maternal and child mortality remains a public health crisis in Nigeria, with countless families losing loved ones due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited access to skilled birth attendants, and socio-economic barriers.
" This funding presents an unprecedented opportunity to address these root causes—if deployed with transparency, accountability, and community engagement at its core. With this $1 billion facility through the HOPE Project, the government aims to incentivize states to achieve measurable progress in reducing these preventable deaths—a move we view as a critical step toward a healthier and more equitable Nigeria.
"We urge the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with state governments and development partners like the World Bank, World Health Organization and United Nations agencies, to ensure that these resources reach the grassroots level, where they are most needed. Rural and underserved communities must not be left behind in this effort," they added.
The consortium, however, stressed that financial investment alone was not enough, adding that the initiative should be paired with comprehensive strategies such as strengthening primary healthcare systems, training and retaining healthcare workers, improving emergency transportation for expectant mothers, and addressing social determinants such as maternal education and nutrition.
They further maintained that "The mention of upgrading 774 healthcare facilities nationwide is a promising start, and we look forward to seeing these efforts prioritized and expanded. As a collective of organizations dedicated to public health and social justice, the consortium stands ready to support this initiative.
"We will continue to amplify the voices of affected families, provide evidence-based recommendations, and advocate for policies that protect the rights and well-being of Nigerian women and children. Our expertise spans advocacy, research, and community engagement, and we offer these resources to ensure the success of this program.
"The approval of this $1 billion fund is a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians. It is a chance to rewrite the narrative of maternal and child health in our nation. The consortium calls on all stakeholders—government, private sector, development partners, and citizens—to unite in making this vision a reality. Together, we can build a Nigeria where no mother or child dies needlessly."