Planning to welcome a baby in 2025 and wondering about the cost of giving birth in private and federal hospitals in Nigeria? You’re not alone. Many expectant parents, health insurance subscribers, and maternity support seekers across Nigeria want to know what it really costs to deliver a child in today’s economy.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about childbirth expenses in 2025, comparing private hospitals vs government hospitals, with real cost estimates for normal delivery, cesarean section (CS), antenatal services, baby care, and hidden fees.
Giving Birth in Nigeria – Private vs Government Care
In Nigeria, maternity care services are offered by:
Federal Hospitals (Teaching & General Hospitals)
State-Owned Hospitals & Health Centres
Private Hospitals & Specialist Clinics
While federal hospitals are subsidized by the government, private hospitals offer faster care, better privacy, and cleaner environments, but at higher costs.
1. Average Cost of Antenatal Care in Nigeria (2025)
Antenatal care (ANC) is the first step in the childbirth process. It includes routine checkups, scans, lab tests, and health education. The cost depends on the hospital type.
Federal Hospitals
Registration Fee: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
Monthly Visits & Scans: ₦1,000 – ₦2,000 per visit
Blood & Urine Tests: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
Drugs & Supplements: ₦2,000 – ₦4,000 per month
Total Estimated ANC Cost: ₦20,000 – ₦40,000
Private Hospitals
Registration Fee: ₦15,000 – ₦50,000
Scans & Lab Tests: ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 per visit
Monthly ANC Visits: ₦3,000 – ₦10,000
Medications & Supplements: ₦4,000 – ₦10,000
Total Estimated ANC Cost: ₦70,000 – ₦250,000+
Summary: Federal hospitals are more affordable but come with longer queues. Private hospitals cost more but offer more personalized care.
2. Cost of Normal Delivery in Nigeria (2025)
Normal vaginal delivery is the most common and affordable childbirth method, especially when there are no complications.
Federal or Teaching Hospitals
Delivery Fee: ₦20,000 – ₦60,000
Ward Admission: ₦1,000 – ₦5,000 per night
Consumables & Injections: ₦10,000 – ₦25,000
Newborn Care Fee: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
Total Cost (Normal Delivery): ₦35,000 – ₦100,000
Private Hospitals
Delivery Charges: ₦100,000 – ₦500,000
Labour Room Use: Included or ₦20,000 – ₦50,000
Doctor's Fee & Monitoring: ₦50,000 – ₦200,000
Neonatal Unit & First Immunizations: ₦20,000 – ₦50,000
Total Cost (Normal Delivery): ₦200,000 – ₦700,000+
Note: Elite private hospitals in Lagos, Abuja, and PH can charge up to ₦1 million+ for executive birth packages.
3. Cost of Cesarean Section (CS) in Nigeria (2025)
Cesarean deliveries are becoming more common due to complications, multiple births, or mother’s request. It is more expensive than natural delivery.
Federal & Government Hospitals
CS Surgery Fee: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000
Theatre Materials: ₦20,000 – ₦60,000
Ward & Recovery Stay: ₦10,000 – ₦30,000
Medications & Aftercare: ₦15,000 – ₦50,000
Total Cost (CS in Govt. Hospitals): ₦120,000 – ₦250,000
Private Hospitals
Surgery Charges: ₦250,000 – ₦1,200,000
Anesthesia & Specialist Fees: ₦50,000 – ₦300,000
Surgical Consumables: ₦100,000 – ₦250,000
Post-CS Hospital Stay: ₦30,000 – ₦150,000
Total Cost (CS in Private Hospitals): ₦500,000 – ₦2,000,000+
Note: Some private hospitals in Lekki, Maitama, and GRA Port Harcourt offer "Maternity VIP Suites" with CS packages exceeding ₦3 million.
4. Maternity Ward & Bed Space Costs
Room type also affects your delivery cost. Here's a comparison:
| Room Type | Federal Hospital (₦/night) | Private Hospital (₦/night) |
|---|---|---|
| Open Ward (General) | ₦1,000 – ₦2,000 | Not available |
| Semi-Private Room | ₦3,000 – ₦6,000 | ₦20,000 – ₦50,000 |
| Private Room (AC) | ₦7,000 – ₦15,000 | ₦60,000 – ₦150,000 |
| VIP Maternity Suite | N/A | ₦200,000 – ₦400,000 |
5. Cost of Baby Essentials at the Hospital
Many hospitals, especially private ones, require you to come with baby items or pay for them on-site.
Baby Items Required:
Baby clothes, diapers, wipes
Baby blanket & flannel
Feeding bottles, formula
Maternity pads, disinfectants
Estimated Baby Item Cost (2025):
Federal Hospital: ₦20,000 – ₦40,000 (buy your own)
Private Hospital: ₦50,000 – ₦120,000 (sold as a pack)
6. Cost of Epidural, Pain Relief, and Special Requests
Epidural anesthesia (pain relief injection) is more common in private hospitals. It's optional but adds to the cost.
Epidural Pricing (2025):
Federal Hospitals: Rarely available
Private Hospitals: ₦80,000 – ₦250,000 depending on brand
Other special requests:
Birth plan customization: ₦30,000 – ₦100,000 extra
Midwife-only delivery: Available in both setups but costs less
Doula support (private arrangement): ₦50,000 – ₦150,000
7. Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Sometimes, delivery costs rise due to unplanned items:
Emergency drugs not covered in base fees
Blood transfusion and donor charges
Baby incubator or neonatal care
Doctor’s personal consultation fee (private)
Pre-delivery admission due to complications
Always ask for a full delivery package and confirm what’s included before paying.
8. HMO and Insurance Coverage for Delivery
Many employed women use HMO health plans. Here's how it works:
Federal Hospitals: Accept NHIS and some corporate HMOs
Private Hospitals: Accept limited HMO plans or charge co-payments
Coverage Includes: ANC, delivery (up to ₦300,000 cap), CS in some cases
Tip: Confirm if your HMO covers CS, neonatal care, and epidural before delivery date.
9. Cost Comparison Table – Private vs Federal Hospitals
| Item | Federal Hospital (₦) | Private Hospital (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Antenatal Care | ₦20k – ₦40k | ₦70k – ₦250k+ |
| Normal Delivery | ₦35k – ₦100k | ₦200k – ₦700k+ |
| Cesarean Section (CS) | ₦120k – ₦250k | ₦500k – ₦2m+ |
| Maternity Bed Space | ₦1k – ₦15k/night | ₦20k – ₦150k/night |
| Baby Essentials | ₦20k – ₦40k | ₦50k – ₦120k |
| Epidural / Special Request | Not common | ₦80k – ₦250k |
10. Best Cities for Affordable Maternity Care in 2025
If you're looking for more affordable delivery options, the following cities offer lower private hospital rates than Lagos or Abuja:
Ibadan
Ilorin
Akure
Abakaliki
Abeokuta
Federal medical centres (FMCs) in these cities charge much less than private hospitals in Lagos or PH, especially for CS.
FAQs – Cost of Giving Birth in Nigeria
How much is normal delivery in a Nigerian government hospital?
₦35,000 – ₦100,000 depending on location and medication.
What is the cost of CS in private hospitals in 2025?
Between ₦500,000 and ₦2,000,000 or more, depending on hospital type.
Does NHIS cover childbirth in Nigeria?
Yes. It covers antenatal, delivery, and CS in participating hospitals with certain limits.
Can I pay for delivery in installments?
Some private hospitals now allow installment payments or prepayment plans.
Which is better—private or government hospital for childbirth?
Private hospitals offer speed and comfort. Government hospitals are cheaper but crowded.
Final Thoughts: Cost of Giving Birth in Private and Federal Hospitals in Nigeria (2025)
The cost of giving birth in Nigeria in 2025 depends on the type of hospital, type of delivery, city, and your birth plan. Federal hospitals are cheaper but can be stressful due to queues and limited resources. Private hospitals offer comfort, but at a higher cost.
To reduce stress:
Start saving early during pregnancy
Register for antenatal on time
Compare multiple hospitals near you
Ask for breakdown of costs upfront
Childbirth is a special moment. With this guide, you now have a full picture of what to expect financially so you can welcome your baby with peace of mind.