The health of mothers and children remains one of the most sensitive indicators of the effectiveness of a nation's health services. In Nigeria, many maternal and childhood illnesses and deaths arise from conditions that can be prevented, recognized early or effectively managed through accessible antenatal care, safe delivery services, immunization, nutrition, family planning, health education, environmental improvement and prompt referral. Nurses and midwives occupy a central position in these activities because of their sustained contact with women, infants, families and communities. This paper examines the major maternal and child health challenges confronting Nigeria and considers the responsibilities of nurses in antenatal supervision, safe motherhood, child survival, breastfeeding, nutrition, immunization, family planning, community education and referral. Particular attention is given to the need to move maternal and child health services closer to rural populations and to strengthen cooperation between hospitals, health centres, families and communities. The paper concludes that substantial improvement in maternal and child health will require not only more facilities, but better-prepared nurses, reliable supplies, effective referral systems, community participation and a stronger national commitment to preventive care.