The adoption of primary health care as a major strategy for achieving improved population health has important implications for Nigerian nursing. A health service concentrated mainly in urban hospitals cannot adequately meet the needs of a population in which many people live in rural communities and where preventable illness remains common. This paper examines the principles of primary health care and the responsibilities of nurses in translating those principles into practical services. Particular attention is given to community participation, maternal and child health, immunization, nutrition, environmental sanitation, health education, communicable-disease control, appropriate technology, referral and intersectoral cooperation. The paper argues that community nursing must not be regarded as a lesser form of hospital nursing. It requires initiative, broad knowledge, cultural understanding and the ability to work with families and local leaders. The success of primary health care will depend substantially upon the preparation, deployment and support of nurses working closest to the people.