Introduction. Uptake of antenatal services is low in Nigeria; however, indicators in the Christian-dominated South have been better
than in the Muslim-dominated North. This study evaluated religious influences on utilization of general and HIV-related maternal
health services among women in rural and periurban North-Central Nigeria. Materials and Methods. Targeted participants were
HIV-positive, pregnant, or of reproductive age in the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa. Themes explored were utilization
of facility-based services, provider gender preferences, and Mentor Mother acceptability. Thematic and content approaches were
applied to manual data analysis. Results. Sixty-eight (68) women were recruited, 72% Christian and 28% Muslim. There were no
significant religious influences identified among barriers to maternal service uptake. All participants stated preference for facilitybased
services. Uptake limitations were mainly distance from clinic and socioeconomic dependence on male partners rather than
religious restrictions. Neither Muslim nor Christian women had provider gender preferences; competence and positive attitude
were more important. All women found Mentor Mothers highly acceptable. Conclusion. Barriers to uptake of maternal health
services appear to be minimally influenced by religion. ANC/PMTCT uptake interventions should target male partner buy-in and
support, healthcare provider training to improve attitudes, and Mentor Mother program strengthening and impact assessment.