The Federal Government has introduced Nigeria’s first National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM), a move aimed at safeguarding the health, dignity, and opportunities of women and girls nationwide.
Funded by WaterAid Nigeria with support from Population Services International (PSI), the policy was formally validated in Abuja on Friday by the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, commissioners from the 36 states and the FCT, as well as representatives from civic organisations.
Developed through consultations across all six geopolitical zones, the policy incorporates state-specific priorities and socio-cultural contexts. It addresses challenges such as stigma, lack of menstrual health information, and limited access to safe products — issues that contribute to absenteeism, early school dropouts, child marriage, and teenage pregnancies among millions of girls.
Delivering the keynote address through Permanent Secretary Dr. Maryam Keshinro, the minister stressed that menstrual health should be recognised as a matter of national development, not just a women’s issue.
She explained that Nigeria’s journey towards adopting the policy began in 2018 when the country joined the global MHHM campaign after the 18th Regular National Council of Women Affairs in Lagos.
According to her, the policy will guarantee “dignity, safety, and support for women and girls in Nigeria,” improve health outcomes, and boost both 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 hindered in her personal or professional development because of menstruation; and no community should sustain stigma or exclusion linked to it.
“Implementation will require strong collaboration across sectors, political will, and active participation from states, communities, and development partners.
“Let us validate this policy with unity of purpose and commitment to action, knowing that menstrual health is not a privilege but a right. Together, we can make it a lived reality for every woman and girl in Nigeria,” she said.
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WaterAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Evelyn Mere, represented by Policy and Advocacy Manager Theodora Igboaneka, emphasised that the policy was the result of “genuine consultation” and urged robust implementation, monitoring, and advocacy.
“Validation is just the beginning. The real test lies in implementation, in ensuring that these policies reach the IDPs in Borno, the rural communities in Kebbi State, the urban slums in Lagos.
“It lies in making sure that every Nigerian woman, regardless of her economic status, or where she is, can access what she needs to manage her period with dignity,” she said.
PSI Nigeria also pledged support for state-level adoption, noting that its Menstrual Health No Wahala programme is already active in Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, Sokoto, and Plateau.
