Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health, framing it as a foundation for human capital development and long-term economic growth.
Speaking at a National Policy Dialogue in Abuja on Monday, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, said youth health was not just a medical concern but a development priority. He was represented by Dr Binyerem Ukaire, Director of Family Health.
“When young people access accurate information and quality services, they make decisions that shape their education, well-being, and economic participation,” he said, stressing that poor access to care, early marriage, unsafe sex, and harmful cultural practices continued to undermine youth potential.
Data from the latest Demographic and Health Survey show teenage pregnancy at 15 per cent, HIV prevalence among youth at 5.2 per cent—above the national average—and low uptake of modern contraceptives.
SFH Managing Director, Dr Omokhudu Idogho, said adolescent health required a multisectoral approach, integrating education, life skills, mental health, and social protection. He pointed to SFH’s Adolescents 360 initiative, which has reached over 760,000 girls with contraceptive services.
Government officials, development partners, and civil society leaders, including the Adamawa State Commissioner for Women Affairs and the Minister of Youth Development, called for greater collaboration with traditional and religious leaders to break stigma around reproductive health.
The two-day policy dialogue, convened by SFH with support from stakeholders, is expected to produce practical recommendations for expanding adolescent-friendly services and strengthening Nigeria’s demographic and economic transition.
