Introduction. Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal mortality. In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of preeclampsia ranges from 4.1 to 5.6%, accounting for 9 to 16% of all maternal deaths. Purpose. To study the sociodemographic risk factors influencing the development of preeclampsia and maternal mortality in Nigeria (using Jigawa State as an example). Materials and methods. Based on literature data and our own research, we analyzed maternal mortality rates in Nigeria and examined the sociodemographic characteristics of women in Jigawa State in a prospective case-control study. The study included 395 women with a gestational age of ≥20 weeks attending health facilities: the study group consisted of 146 cases of preeclampsia, and the control group consisted of 249 women matched for gestational age. Results and discussion. As of 2023, the maternal mortality rate in Nigeria was 993 cases per 100,000 live births. The prevalence of preeclampsia in the country is 10% (8% in urban areas, 12% in rural areas). Hypertensive disorders account for 20% of maternal deaths, and in northwestern regions, such as Jigawa State, this rate is higher than average due to poverty and low attendance at antenatal clinics. Among the women included in our study, pregnant women with preeclampsia were predominantly among young first-time mothers (under 20 years of age) and among women aged 35 years who were multiparous. Most of the women participating in the study and included in the main group lived in rural areas: 58.8% among first-time mothers and 51.0% among multiparous mothers, which explains differences in access to healthcare. Conclusions. In nulliparous women, compared with multiparous women, sociodemographic factors (lack of education, adolescence, rural residence, low income) may significantly influence the development of preeclampsia and increase the risk of maternal mortality in the context of limited access to healthcare in Nigeria. The identified differences in parity rates substantiate the need for a differentiated approach to preeclampsia prevention in regions with high fertility and limited resources.