Maternal mortality in Nigeria is unquestionably high despite concerted efforts geared towards addressing this unending problem. Understanding the reason why women and their newborns die is an important first step in trying to find a lasting solution to this problem that is almost defying all global efforts. This study informed by current literature focuses on the reasons why women and their newborns die in such an alarming rate in Nigeria, which is currently contributing a large chunk to the global maternal mortality burden and how this can be addressed in a lasting manner. The research was conducted to contribute to the body of knowledge related to maternal mortality in Nigeria and this could effectively assist program planners in implementing evidence-based interventions with the capacity to reduce the scourge. The methodology adopted include search on current and recent past peer-reviewed journal articles. The key search words include maternal mortality and the three delays. About twenty (20) of such articles were found. The selected articles were reviewed and organized into the following themes - causes of maternal deaths, the three delays and interventions to address maternal deaths. Findings from the review showed that pregnant women were dying in very high numbers and the three delays - delay in seeking care (delay 1), delay in getting to the health facility (delay 2) and delay in getting needed quality care once the patient is at the health facility (delay3) are largely responsible for these preventable deaths. The paper concluded that Governmental policies addressing training and in-service training can help build the capacity of healthcare workers while provision of emergency transportation can assist pregnant women get to the health facilities to access basic emergency obstetric and newborn care within a short time. Birth planning and complication readiness can be an initial first step that can avert danger at the most critical time of the delivery process.