The Federal Government has officially adopted Nigeria’s first National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM), a landmark step aimed at improving the health, dignity, and opportunities of women and girls nationwide. This policy, backed by WaterAid Nigeria and supported by Population Services International (PSI), was validated in Abuja by the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, alongside commissioners from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and key civic stakeholders.
Developed after extensive consultations across the country’s six geopolitical zones, the policy reflects state-specific priorities and socio-cultural contexts. It directly addresses persistent issues such as stigma, misinformation, and inadequate access to safe menstrual products factors that have long fueled school absenteeism, early dropout, child marriage, and early pregnancy among millions of Nigerian girls.
During her keynote address, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, described menstrual health as not merely a “women’s issue” but a national development concern. She emphasized that supporting menstrual health has direct implications for educational progress, economic growth, and gender equality.
The minister revealed that the journey towards adopting this policy began in 2018, when Nigeria joined the global MHHM campaign following the 18th Regular National Council of Women Affairs in Lagos. She stressed that the new framework would guarantee dignity, safety, and support for women and girls, while also improving health outcomes and boosting their 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 held back in her personal or professional life because of menstruation; and no community should sustain stigma or exclusion linked to it,” she declared.
She added that the successful implementation of the policy will require strong collaboration across sectors, unwavering political will, and active participation from states, communities, and development partners. The minister called for unity of purpose, stressing that menstrual health is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, represented by Policy and Advocacy Manager, Theodora Igboaneka, commended the government for the milestone but underscored that validation is only the first step. She urged all stakeholders to focus on strong implementation, monitoring, and advocacy to ensure that the policy achieves tangible results.
According to WaterAid Nigeria, success will depend on ensuring that the policy’s benefits reach vulnerable populations from internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Borno State to rural communities in Kebbi and urban slums in Lagos. “Every Nigerian woman, regardless of her economic status or location, must have access to the products and support she needs to manage her period with dignity,” Igboaneka stressed.
Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria has pledged continued support for state-level adoption. Through its Menstrual Health No Wahala programme, PSI is already implementing menstrual health initiatives in Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, Sokoto, and Plateau states, providing education, advocacy, and access to menstrual products.
Education advocates have praised the policy as a game changer in the fight to keep girls in school, noting that menstrual-related absenteeism has historically undermined academic performance. Experts believe that by ensuring access to safe and affordable menstrual products, Nigeria can make significant progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality).
However, civil society groups warn that without budgetary commitments at both federal and state levels, the policy risks becoming another unimplemented government document. They argue that menstrual health must be integrated into broader public health, education, and gender equality programs to have lasting impact.
With its adoption, Nigeria joins a growing list of countries addressing menstrual health as part of national policy frameworks. If fully implemented, the policy could transform the lives of millions of women and girls, breaking the cycle of stigma, exclusion, and lost opportunities that has persisted for generations.
