Teen pregnancy crisis is back in the spotlight after Nigeria’s Women Affairs Minister, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, disclosed troubling figures.
She revealed that 15% of girls between 15 and 19 are already mothers or currently pregnant.
The revelation aligns with a 2023 BMC Public Health study that placed the national teenage pregnancy rate at 18.7%.
Northern Nigeria carries the heaviest burden, often linked to child marriage, while southern states report far lower figures. For instance, a 2010 Niger Delta study showed only 6.2%.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who previously served as director of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), described teenage pregnancy as a pressing gender and social challenge.
She warned that early motherhood interrupts education, reinforces poverty, and limits opportunities for young women.
Despite ongoing interventions, progress is slow. The UNDP has highlighted poor funding as a key barrier to effective nationwide programs. Without stronger investment, education campaigns and healthcare services remain limited in reach.
Still, the Minister urged families, policymakers, and communities to act. She emphasized that empowering girls through education, sexual health awareness, and protection from early marriage can break the cycle.
Her remarks add weight to a growing debate on how Nigeria can safeguard the future of its young women.
