The situation is even more dire in the northeast, where over 5.9 million people require humanitarian assistance. Here, insecurity not only displaces families – it also creates care-access disparities. In Maiduguri, movement restrictions after 22:00 local time often mean that “keke napeps” (tricycle taxis) are unavailable, leaving women stranded exactly when they are most vulnerable.

Keeping the maternity ward open day and night 

The need for around-the-clock care became undeniable in early 2025. Between 1 and 31 May of that year, ALIMA recorded over 1,400 prenatal consultations at the Muna clinic alone. However, despite receiving care throughout their pregnancies, 94 of those women were forced to deliver at home because the clinic was not open at night.

‘These mothers had no choice but to deliver in unsterile environments without skilled assistance’, explains Panmwa Paul, the Muna clinic midwife supervisor.

Giving birth differently

Responding to this crisis, ALIMA, with EU support, launched 24-hour reproductive health services in June 2025. This initiative provides basic emergency obstetric and neonatal care 7 days a week. It is a critical intervention designed to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among vulnerable displaced populations.

Since opening its doors through the night, the clinic has supported the safe delivery of over 550 babies. Zainab Babagana’s 4th pregnancy was the ultimate test of this new system.

‘When I heard that ALIMA had started an all-night clinic, I was very happy’, she says. ‘This time, my labour went faster. The medical team was very nice, my delivery was easier, and my child is alive and well.’

 

She is not alone. Zainab Sani, a mother of 10, remembers her 9th delivery as a nightmare – pacing for hours in pain, waiting for a traditional midwife while fearing for her life. ‘I was thinking, “If I die now, who will look after these children?”’

Her 10th delivery – twins – took place at the Muna clinic. ‘The midwife checked me and in a very short time my twins were born. I was at peace knowing my babies and I were in good hands.’ Now, she is an advocate in her community, telling other pregnant women:

 ‘Go to the clinic. They will take care of you.’

EU support

The transformation in Muna is part of a larger commitment to the people of Nigeria. The EU remains a leading contributor of humanitarian aid in the country. In 2026, the EU allocated an initial €33 million for humanitarian assistance, bringing the total contribution since 2014 to over €570 million.