Infant mortality remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, with the Northern region experiencing disproportionately high rates. This study investigates the socioeconomic determinants of infant mortality, focusing on maternal education and household wealth, using data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). A total of 80,110 women aged 15–49 was analysed using multivariable logistic regression models to assess the independent effects of socioeconomic status on the likelihood of infant death. The results show that maternal education and wealth index are significantly associated with infant mortality. Women with higher education had 18% lower odds of experiencing infant mortality compared to those with no education. In comparison, those in the richest wealth quintile had 67% lower odds than the poorest. These findings underscore the critical role of socioeconomic factors in shaping infant survival outcomes and highlight the need for region-specific interventions in Northern Nigeria. The study contributes to the growing evidence that improving women’s access to education and economic resources is fundamental to reducing infant deaths. Targeted policy actions addressing these social determinants can drive meaningful child health and survival progress.