ABUJA, Nigeria – The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate has underscored the role of adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health in driving Nigeria’s long-term economic growth and human capital development.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday at the National Policy Dialogue on Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health and Development (AYSRH&D), organised by the Society for Family Health (SFH), Pate said reproductive health is not just a medical issue but a social justice priority and economic driver.
Represented by Binyerem Ukaire, Director and Head of the Department of Family Health, he warned that barriers such as gender inequality, early marriage, unsafe sex, drug abuse, and poor access to services continue to limit young Nigerians’ potential.
“When youth access accurate information, quality services, and supportive systems, they make informed decisions that shape education, health, and economic participation,” he said.
He reaffirmed government commitment to strengthening reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.
The SFH Managing Director, Omokhudu Idogho, represented by Deputy MD Jennifer Anyanti, highlighted Nigeria’s shifting demographics, noting a decline in fertility rate from 5.3% (2018) to 4.8% (2024), but persistent challenges such as 15% teenage pregnancy and high youth HIV prevalence of 5.2%.
Idogho called for a multisectoral approach integrating education, mental health, social protection and adolescent-friendly services.
Other speakers, including Neido Kofulto, Adamawa Commissioner for Women Affairs, stressed the need for open dialogue with youth to demystify reproductive and menstrual health.
The two-day policy dialogue aims to build consensus, bridge implementation gaps, and accelerate delivery of inclusive health services for Nigeria’s 70 million youth population.
