A Comparative Analysis of Maternal Mortality Rates Under Civilian and Military Administrations in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the institutional maternal mortality ratio (IMMR) in Nigeria from 1960 to 2015, by analyzing the influence of different political administrations (civilian vs. military) on healthcare outcomes. Using Levene's test, ANOVA, and robust tests for equality of variances/means, the analysis reveals significant differences in IMMR based on the type of administration. The results show that military administrations, which governed for over 27 years across 8 different leaders, were associated with higher IMMR values, reflecting inadequate healthcare spending and governance issues. In contrast, civilian administrations, lasting over 29 years with 7 democratic leaders, were linked to lower IMMR values, suggesting improved healthcare policies and governance. These findings underscore the critical role of political administration in shaping healthcare outcomes and highlight the significant impact of governance on maternal mortality in Nigeria. The study provides robust evidence supporting the conclusion that political leadership—whether civilian or military—has a profound influence on the nation’s maternal health indicators.

Keywords: Healthcare, Mortality, Maternal, Development, Civilian, Military, Administrations, Politics, Public Policy

DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/15-1-02

Publication date: January 30^th 2025