STAKEHOLDERS have raised concerns over the low uptake of modern contraceptives among Nigerian women, with data revealing that only 7.6 million out of the estimated 51 million women aged 15-49 are currently using modern contraceptive methods.
The data, presented by Jason Bremmer, Director of Data and Measurements at FP2030, during the 8th Nigerian Youth Family Planning Pre-Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, December 3, highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing challenges in addressing sexual and reproductive health.
Bremmer, who cited figures from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) and FP2030 Measurement Report 2024, disclosed that Nigeria accounted for 19 per cent of the global unmet need for modern contraception, with 24 per cent of Nigerian women having no access to the family planning services they required.
He noted that the country’s modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) among married women remained at 12 per cent – far below the government’s Family Planning Blueprint target of 27 per cent by 2030.
He stated that while modern contraceptive prevalence rates (mCPR) were rising among women aged 15–49, disparity remained in contraceptive methods used by married women versus unmarried adolescents.
The conference, themed “Enhancing Investments in the Next Generation: Ensuring Right-Based Reproductive Health Services for Adolescents and Young Persons,” brought together youth advocates, government officials, and development partners to discuss solutions to the barriers young people face in accessing family planning services.
Participants, who spoke at different panels, identified stigma, societal pressures, and limited availability of youth-friendly health services as significant challenges.
They highlighted the need for inclusive policies that consider the needs of adolescents and young people, particularly those in rural areas.
The panellists also emphasised the role of technology in expanding access to family planning services, advocating for telemedicine, mobile apps, and digital campaigns to increase awareness and accessibility, particularly for underserved populations.
Speaking at the event, Margaret Bolaji, chair of the Youth Sub-Committee, encouraged young people to take ownership of their reproductive health rights and leverage social media to amplify their voices.
She stressed that youth-led initiatives are crucial in advocating for change and ensuring reproductive health services are tailored to people’s needs.
On the government intervention, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Health Family Planning Department, John Ovuaye, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving access to family planning through budgetary allocations and inclusive health services.
He noted that addressing early marriage and inadequate SRH education required coordinated efforts involving communities, policymakers, and young people.
Ovuaye disclosed that the Federal Government had made provision in the 2025 national budget for FP commodities and services.
Participants at the event called for young people’s inclusion in shaping policies to address barriers to family planning access.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M