FG Prioritises Adolescent, Youth Sexual Health as Driver of Nigeria’s Development — Pate

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The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has stressed that sexual and reproductive health among adolescents and youth is central to Nigeria’s long-term development, economic growth, and human capital outcomes.

Pate made the remarks on Monday in Abuja during a two-day National Policy Dialogue on Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Development, organised by the Society for Family Health (SFH). He was represented by Dr Binyerem Ukaire, Director and Head of the Department of Family Health.

Describing adolescent and youth reproductive health as both a social justice issue and a national priority, Pate said:

“When young people access accurate information, quality services, and supportive systems, they make informed decisions that influence their education, well-being, and economic participation.”

He noted, however, that Nigerian adolescents still face barriers such as gender inequality, harmful cultural practices, early marriage, unsafe sex, poor access to care, and drug abuse — challenges that reduce their capacity to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services under the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. He added that policies such as the National Policy on Health and Development of Adolescent and Young People were designed to improve access, inclusivity, and equity in service delivery nationwide.

“The dialogue is a chance to ensure every Nigerian adolescent, regardless of sex, location, or background, accesses quality sexual and reproductive health information, education, and services for a healthier future,” Pate stated.

Also speaking, SFH Managing Director Dr Omokhudu Idogho, represented by Deputy Managing Director Dr Jennifer Anyanti, said Nigeria’s demographic shifts were influencing youth health and policy priorities.

He cited data from the 2023/2024 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), which shows teenage pregnancy prevalence at 15 percent, with higher rates in rural and low-income communities. He also highlighted that HIV prevalence among youth stood at 5.2 percent — higher than the national average — while 17.2 percent of young women reported contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Idogho noted that uptake of modern contraceptives remained very low, warning that early marriage and childbearing continued to drive maternal mortality while limiting educational and economic opportunities for girls.

He called for a comprehensive, multisectoral approach integrating education, life skills, mental health, and social protection into health and development frameworks.

Citing the success of SFH’s Adolescents 360 (A360) initiative, Idogho said:

“In four years, we reached 1,850 communities through 2,157 health centres in four states with youth-friendly reproductive health services. We trained 2,235 health workers and supported 764,568 adolescent girls to adopt modern contraceptives, half of whom are continuing users.”

Adamawa State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Neido Kofulto, appealed to traditional and religious leaders to help demystify reproductive and menstrual health through open dialogue.

“Open discussions with our children can save lives, prevent long-term harm, and encourage early detection and protection, even against reproductive cancers,” she said.

On his part, Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, represented by Mr Emmanuel Essien, pledged his ministry’s support in prioritising youth health and mobilising partners.

“The future of Nigeria’s development depends on the health and empowerment of its young people. We’re open to partnerships to address the serious issues youth face today,” Olawande said.

The two-day policy dialogue aims to build consensus, identify implementation gaps, and renew commitment to improving adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health across Nigeria.