Imo State recorded the highest percentage of live births attended by skilled health personnel in Nigeria, according to data from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) published by Statisense.

The survey showed that 97 per cent of live births in Imo were delivered with the assistance of skilled health workers, placing the state at the top of the national rankings.

Enugu followed closely with 96 per cent, while Abia recorded 95 per cent. Ekiti ranked fourth with 94 per cent, and Edo came fifth with 93 per cent.

Other states in the top rankings included Anambra, Osun, and Rivers, each recording 92 per cent skilled birth attendance. Lagos posted 87 per cent, while Oyo and Ogun each recorded 83 per cent. Delta completed the top 12 with 81 per cent.

The data indicated that southern states dominated the rankings for skilled birth attendance across the country.

Skilled birth attendance refers to deliveries supervised by trained health professionals such as doctors, nurses, or midwives and is considered a key indicator in reducing maternal and infant mortality.

The NDHS is a nationwide survey that provides data on population, health, and nutrition indicators in Nigeria.