The escalating cost of sanitary pads in Nigeria is threatening menstrual hygiene management, particularly among low-income women and girls across the country.
The situation has sparked national concern, amplifying calls for urgent government intervention and increased public awareness of period poverty.
Over the past few months, prices of sanitary pads have doubled in some areas, with a single pack now costing between ₦800 and ₦2,000 depending on brand and location.
This steep rise has left many girls and women, especially in rural and underserved communities, with no choice but to resort to unsafe alternatives like rags, tissue paper, or even leaves.
“I used to buy a pack of pads for ₦500, but now I can’t find any under ₦1,000,” said Aisha Bashir, a resident of Kaduna.
Seventeen-year-old student Bilkisu Bello shared her own struggle: “Sometimes I stay home from school during my period because I can’t afford them.”
Healthcare experts warn that poor menstrual hygiene can cause serious health complications, including infections, reproductive issues, and long-term psychological stress.
Additionally, lack of access to menstrual products contributes to school absenteeism and workplace disruptions, further entrenching gender inequality.
A 2023 report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates that over 37 million Nigerian women and girls of reproductive age face challenges in accessing adequate menstrual hygiene products and services.
Dr. Fatima Hassan, a public health advocate, emphasized that “menstrual hygiene is a human right, not a luxury.”
“When sanitary pads become unaffordable, it’s not just a health issue—it becomes a social and economic crisis,” she said.
She also warned about the risks of using unsafe alternatives such as unwashed rags or damp reusable cloths.
“If not properly cleaned and dried in the sun, these can cause infections. Reusable pads are a safer, cost-effective option, but users must maintain strict hygiene.”
To mitigate the growing crisis, NGOs and activists are urging the federal government to remove taxes on sanitary products and boost local manufacturing to curb reliance on imports, which are subject to volatile foreign exchange rates.
Some state governments and civil society groups have already taken action. In Kano State, Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria launched the Menstrual Hygiene Now (MH-NoW) project to support over 200,000 women and girls with reusable pads and menstrual education.
Kano State Support Officer for PSI, Amina Sabi’u, said the MH-NoW project targets adolescent girls and young women aged 10 to 24, focusing on 15 underserved communities in Ghari, Tsanyawa, and Nasarawa Local Government Areas.
“This project is implemented in several Nigerian states. In Kano, we are working to improve access to safe, reusable menstrual products and raise awareness,” she said.
She warned that without timely and collective action, millions of Nigerian girls will continue to suffer the silent consequences of period poverty.
In response, the Kano State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children, and Disabled, pledged to collaborate with NGOs and stakeholders to combat menstrual poverty through education and distribution of reusable pads.
According to Alhaji Zubair Abdulmumin Zubair, Deputy Director of Research and Statistics at the Ministry, promoting the proper use of reusable sanitary products can restore dignity and confidence among young girls and significantly reduce menstrual-related barriers in education and public life.
Reporting by By Khadijah Aliyu