Nigeria women and adolescent health policy initiatives

In August 2026, Nigerian officials and advocates at the Her Health, Her Power Conference Africa in Abuja emphasized that prioritizing women’s health is essential for achieving a $1 trillion economy. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim called for collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society. Advocates also noted a gap between existing policies and practical implementation, specifically regarding maternal mortality and rural healthcare access.

By September 2026, the focus expanded to include the impact of gender norms on adolescent health during the Gender and Inclusion Summit in Abuja. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Iziaq Salako highlighted how social expectations increase vulnerability to violence and early pregnancy. To combat these issues, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is working to institutionalize school health services and implement the National Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy 2025-2030. Economic experts noted that addressing these gender-driven health disparities is vital for national human capital development and workforce participation.