FG says 15% of Nigerian girls aged 15–19 are mothers or pregnant, linking the trend to poor menstrual health and limited access to sanitary products.
The Federal Government has raised alarm that 15 per cent of Nigerian girls aged 15 to 19 are either mothers or pregnant, highlighting concerns over adolescent health and gender inequality.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, disclosed this on Tuesday during the validation of Nigeria’s first National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM).
Represented by Permanent Secretary Maryam Keshinro, she revealed that “more than 7.3 million adolescent girls and women suffer from undernutrition, with 55 per cent affected by anaemia,” partly due to poor menstrual hygiene and lack of affordable sanitary products.
Describing the policy as a “milestone,” she said menstruation “should never be a source of shame, stigma, or economic hardship.” She also commended President Bola Tinubu for granting waivers on sanitary pads, noting it reflects gender sensitivity in governance.
Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria urged that menstrual health be treated as a human rights and development priority.