Past empirical fmdings about early mortality factors in Nigeria are examined
within a proximate determinants framework. This shows that higher parental
income and higher density of modem health facilities constitute the combination
of factors most likely to bring about sustained reductions in early mortality levels.
Evidence relating to various areas of the country do not, on the whole, show up
maternal education as the primary early mortality reducing factor that it is
acclaimed to be in other developing areas. TIle need to focus on the fundamental
problem of raising general living standards rather than the pursuit of 'short-cut'
solutions to higher early mortality risks is implied.