Fifteen years after the passing of former Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, his successor, Goodluck Jonathan, has paid tribute to his legacy, describing him as a patriot and servant leader who worked tirelessly for a united and inclusive nation.

Jonathan, in a heartfelt message shared on his social media page, reflected on Yar’Adua’s life, emphasizing his dedication to service and selflessness. He noted that whether as a teacher, governor, or president, Yar’Adua’s leadership was characterized by hard work, patriotism, accountability, and a commitment to justice and the rule of law.

During his tenure as president, Yar’Adua prioritized national reconciliation, fostering unity among Nigerians, and mobilizing building a nation founded on **justice, peace, and progress. Jonathan highlighted that despite the brevity of Yar’Adua’s presidency, his impact was profound and his leadership progressive, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service and deep commitment to the public good[

Jonathan further remarked that even fifteen years after his passing, Yar’Adua remains a reference point for good leadership, peace, and accountability. His contributions to governance continue to inspire leaders and citizens alike, reinforcing the values of integrity and dedication to national development.

In his tribute, Jonathan celebrated Yar’Adua not only as a friend, brother, and boss but also as a leader who embodied sacrificial service. He praised Yar’Adua’s genuine efforts in nation-building and his commitment to fostering an inclusive democracy anchored on

The remembrance of Yar’Adua’s legacy has sparked reflections across Nigeria, with political figures and citizens alike acknowledging his contributions to the country’s democratic journey. His tenure remains a significant chapter in Nigeria’s history, marked by reforms and a leadership style that prioritized the welfare of the people

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said that the country’s economy can no longer afford to maintain electricity subsidies. He advised Nigerians to prepare for the introduction of tariffs that reflect the true costs of electricity.

At a meeting with the Chairmen of Nigeria’s Generating Companies in Abuja, Adelabu emphasized that, “We have to understand that our economy cannot sustain subsidies indefinitely.”

He, nonetheless, emphasized the government’s commitment to offering targeted subsidies to support economically disadvantaged Nigerians.

The Federal Government presently has an outstanding debt exceeding N4 trillion owed to Generating Companies (Gencos) for overdue subsidy payments.

In its performance report for February, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) indicated that the average real tariff stands at N116.18 per kilowatt-hour, whereas consumers are charged N88.2 per kilowatt-hour.

Due to rising cases of maternal mortality in Nigeria and its causes Nigerian Tracker’s Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa takes a look and files in this report

Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR)–the rate of deaths that occur due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth–is a pressing issue that demands urgent attention.

Research has shown that Nigeria is one of the top three African countries with the highest recorded cases of MMR. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that South Sudan and Chad had the highest MMR rates, with Nigeria ranking third.

The rise in maternal mortality is most prevalent in rural areas of the country. Between 2008 and 2018, states in the Northeastern and Northwestern regions recorded higher numbers compared to those in the Southeastern and Southwestern parts.

Furthermore, the Federal Ministry of Health recorded that between 2019 and 2022, out of the 36 states in Nigeria, only 15–16 actively participated in post-natal care. The postpartum period accounts for 27% of maternal mortality cases.

In response, the federal government, through the Ministry of Health and in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.1), launched the National Strategic Health Development Plan II. By 2030, the plan aims to reduce Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate to no more than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Healthcare is Dead in Rural Areas”—Dr. Nurudeen Mustapha Speaks on Causes of MMR

Dr. Nurudeen Mustapha, a medical doctor at the maternity ward of Ahmadu Bello University Medical Centre, highlights the gravity of the situation.

Dr Nuraddin Mustapha ,Medical expert

“Maternal Mortality, as defined by the World Health Organization, refers to the deaths of women due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth—either during delivery or up to 48 days postpartum. In Nigeria, for every 22 women who give birth, one dies. This contrasts sharply with developed countries, where maternal deaths occur only after thousands of births.”*

Dr. Mustapha attributes Nigeria’s high MMR to multiple factors, with marginalization of rural communities being a significant contributor.

“Access to proper healthcare is nearly impossible for people living in rural areas. As a result, they resort to self-administered healthcare, often performed by untrained individuals pretending to be midwives. This leads to complications, including severe hemorrhaging during childbirth—one of the major causes of maternal death.”

Illegal abortion is another contributing factor.

*”Unwanted pregnancies are rampant in our society. Many young girls under the age of 15 get pregnant, and in an attempt to terminate their pregnancies, they succumb to fatal complications.”

Additionally, hypertensive disorders and pulmonary edema—excessive fluid buildup in the lungs—are serious contributors to maternal deaths.

“Women with severe hypertension, particularly those over the age of 35, face heightened risks. Their cases often result in respiratory failure, leading to mortality.”

“Government Negligence Fuels Illegal Healthcare Practices”—Dr. Mustapha Criticizes Unregulated Hospitals.

When asked about the recent deaths at Afolmi Hospital in Durumi, Abuja, Dr. Mustapha did not hold back.

“This tragedy could have been avoided if the government actively enforced policies regulating healthcare facilities. Many illegal hospitals operate without consequences, allowing untrained staff to perform life-threatening procedures. Corruption is a major impediment to effective enforcement.”

On April 27, 2025, reports surfaced that Afolmi Hospital, along with staff member Murtala Jumma, was implicated in the deaths of two women due to childbirth complications. Jumma was reportedly responsible for a failed cesarean section that led to one of the fatalities.

The Path Forward: Experts Urge Government Intervention

According to Dr. Mustapha, improving maternal health in Nigeria requires strategic actions.

“Pregnant women should maintain a healthy diet and attend antenatal appointments regularly to monitor both their health and that of their baby. Family planning is also crucial, as excessive childbirth increases the risk of cervical tears, contributing to maternal mortality.”

Government intervention is equally vital.

Authorities must ensure that rural communities have access to quality healthcare facilities. In urban areas, medical personnel should receive fair remuneration to discourage them from leaving the country. Unregistered hospitals operating illegally must be shut down, and violators should face severe penalties.”

Maternal mortality remains a critical issue in Nigeria, especially in rural regions where healthcare is virtually non-existent. Without immediate action, the country faces severe economic consequences due to dwindling manpower and reduced contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Regulating abortion, enforcing hospital standards, improving healthcare infrastructure, and retaining medical professionals through better compensation could drastically reduce Nigeria’s MMR rate and safeguard the lives of thousands of women.