The Federal Government has adopted its first National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management, aimed at improving the health, dignity, and opportunities of women and girls in the country.
The policy, funded by WaterAid Nigeria, with the support of Population Services International, was validated on Friday, in Abuja by the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, alongside commissioners from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and other civic actors.
Developed through consultations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, the document reflects state-specific priorities and socio-cultural realities, aimed at addressing pressing challenges such as stigma, lack of information, and inadequate access to safe menstrual products — factors that contribute to school absenteeism, early dropout, child marriage, and early pregnancy among millions of girls.
In her keynote address, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, described menstrual health as not only a women’s issue, but a community and national development issue.
She noted that the journey towards the adoption of the policy began in 2018, when Nigeria joined the global MHHM campaign in 2018, following the 18th Regular National Council of Women Affairs in Lagos,
According to her, the policy will ensure ‘dignity, safety, and support for women and girls in Nigeria’, adding that it would also improve health outcomes while boosting educational and economic participation.
‘This policy sets a clear vision: by 2030, no girl in Nigeria should have to choose between managing her menstruation and pursuing her education; no woman should be hindered in her personal or professional development because of menstruation; and no community should sustain stigma or exclusion linked to it.
‘Implementation will require strong collaboration across sectors, political will, and active participation from states, communities, and development partners.
‘Let us validate this policy with unity of purpose and commitment to action, knowing that menstrual health is not a privilege but a right. Together, we can make it a lived reality for every woman and girl in Nigeria’, the Minister said.
Meanwhile, Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, represented by the Policy and Advocacy Manager, Theodora Igboaneka, said the policy emerged from ‘genuine consultation’, and called for strong implementation, monitoring, and advocacy to translate the document into tangible results.
‘Validation is just the beginning. The real test lies in implementation, in ensuring that these policies reach the IDPs in Borno, the rural communities in Kebbi State, the urban slums in Lagos.
‘It lies in making sure that every Nigerian woman, regardless of her economic status, or where she is, can access what she needs to manage her period with dignity’, she said.
Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria also pledged readiness to support state-level adoption, with its Menstrual Health No Wahala programme already active in Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, Sokoto, and Plateau.
