Government, development partners, and civil society unite to champion menstrual dignity for every Nigerian woman and girl.
By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
Nigeria has formally adopted its first-ever National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM), marking a landmark moment in the nation’s commitment to the dignity, health, and empowerment of women and girls.
The validation ceremony, held at the Exclusive Serene Hotel, Wuye, Abuja, brought together state commissioners, development partners, civil society groups, and federal representatives from all six geopolitical zones.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, fsi, Permanent Secretary Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership in approving tax waivers on sanitary towels under the new Tax Reform Act a move aimed at removing economic barriers for women and girls, especially in rural areas and IDP camps.
The Minister stated that by 2030, no girl in Nigeria should have to choose between managing her menstruation and pursuing her education, describing menstrual health as a right, not a privilege.
Dr. Keshinro also lauded the inclusive consultation process that shaped the policy and urged strong collaboration between federal and state governments to ensure nationwide impact.
Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, revealed that only 11% of Nigerian schools have basic WASH facilities and stressed that the policy’s coverage from menstrual products and sanitation infrastructure to stigma reduction would be transformative. She noted that the policy emerged from genuine consultation across all six geopolitical zones, ensuring it reflects the unique challenges faced by women and girls nationwide.
Mrs. Fifi Ogbondeminu, Acting Country Representative, PSI Nigeria, pledged support through the Menstrual Health No Wahala (MH-NoW) programme. She promised to integrate menstrual health into education systems, ensure affordable product availability, and create enabling environments to end stigma.
Stakeholders closed with a united call for swift, nationwide implementation, ensuring the policy moves from paper to practical impact across Nigeria’s cities, rural communities, and IDP camps.
About the Policy
The National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (2025–2030) provides a strategic framework to guarantee safe, hygienic, and dignified menstruation for every Nigerian woman and girl. It addresses menstrual product access, WASH infrastructure, education, and the elimination of stigma and discrimination.
