For millions of girls in Nigeria, menstruation is not just a natural monthly cycle but a recurring challenge shaped by poverty, social stigma and limited access to basic sanitation services.
Across rural and low-income communities, many girls are forced to rely on improvised materials such as old cloths, foam and tissue paper, while numerous schools still lack clean water, private toilets and proper hygiene facilities. These gaps continue to affect the health, confidence and education of women and girls nationwide.
Global estimates from the World Health Organisation and UNICEF suggest that about 500 million women and girls lack access to proper menstrual hygiene products and facilities. Nigeria reflects a similar reality, with reports indicating that roughly one in four women and girls experience period poverty. A significant number still depend on unsafe alternatives due to cost and accessibility barriers.
Additional findings show that about 37 per cent of Nigerian women still manage menstruation using unhygienic methods, largely driven by poverty and inadequate access to sanitary products.
For school-aged girls, the impact is often educational. Research has consistently linked poor menstrual hygiene management to school absenteeism, especially where sanitary materials and safe facilities are unavailable.
As the world observed the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, stakeholders renewed calls for stronger action, warning that without sustained investment in menstrual health, many girls will continue to face exclusion, shame and disruption to their education.
Mangrove & Partners Ltd, in a statement, said this year’s theme, “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld,” highlights the need to treat menstruation as an issue of dignity, equality and social inclusion, not just health.
The organisation noted that despite growing awareness, safe and affordable menstrual products remain out of reach for many girls, particularly in rural and low-income areas. It also linked the challenge to weak Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, poverty and long-standing cultural taboos.
Data from the 2021 WASH-NORM survey further show that access to basic sanitation services remains limited for many Nigerians, leaving millions of girls without adequate facilities to manage menstruation safely and privately.
The consequences, according to advocates, extend beyond physical discomfort. Many girls miss school during their periods, while others experience embarrassment, stigma and reduced confidence due to inadequate support systems.
In some communities, cultural silence and misinformation around menstruation continue to hinder open discussions and menstrual health education.
The organisation commended the Federal Government’s decision to exempt sanitary pads, tampons and related products from Value Added Tax under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, describing it as a positive step toward reducing the financial burden on households. The exemption took effect from January 1 and is expected to improve affordability.
However, experts argue that reducing costs alone is not enough to resolve the broader structural challenges.
Chief Executive Officer of Mangrove & Partners, Mr Timeyin Uwejamomere, said achieving lasting progress requires sustained investment in sanitation infrastructure, institutional coordination and long-term financing.
He noted that policy reforms must be backed by practical interventions to ensure safe and dignified menstrual management in schools and communities.
The organisation also urged the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to fast-track the approval of the National Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Policy at the Federal Executive Council level, describing it as critical for coordinated national action.
Ultimately, stakeholders maintain that the goal is to ensure that no girl’s education, confidence or dignity is undermined simply because she menstruates.