Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of Adolescents
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting the sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) of all adolescents across the country.
Salako stated this at a gender summit in Abuja themed, “New Voices and New Approaches for Accelerating an Inclusive Society.”
Dismantling Systemic Barriers to Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
Dr. Salako highlighted the urgent need to dismantle systemic barriers that hinder young people, especially girls, from accessing quality health services, education, and protection from harmful practices.
“Adolescents represent the heartbeat of our nation’s future. Yet they face disproportionate risks, including child marriage, gender-based violence (GBV), limited access to reproductive health services, and harmful social norms that undermine their rights and potential,” the Minister stated.
“These are not just health issues, they are rights issues. Our commitment is to ensure that every adolescent, regardless of gender, background, or circumstance, has the right to make informed decisions about their body and future,” Dr. Salako affirmed.
Leveraging National Data to Shape Evidence-Based SRHR Policies in Nigeria
He underscored the transformative power of recent evidence from the Nigeria Survey on Gender Norms, Attitudes, Health, and Wellbeing, which explores five critical areas including child marriage, sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, HPV vaccination, and women’s economic empowerment. He noted that this data will be pivotal in shaping responsive and evidence-based policies and programs within Nigeria.
National Milestones: Progress in Adolescent Health and Development
The Minister also noted several national milestones toward strengthening SRHR across the country, including:
- The institutionalisation of International Adolescent Health Week (IAHW).
- The development and deployment of the National Adolescent Health Development Training Manual to enhance the capacity of frontline health workers.
- Strategic partnerships such as the EU-SARAH Project, expanding adolescent reproductive health services in Sokoto, Adamawa, and Kwara States.
- The successful rollout of the HPV vaccination campaign, which has reached over 14 million girls aged 9–14, achieving a remarkable 96% coverage.
Call for Subnational Action and Sustainable Financing
He appealed to state governments and stakeholders, calling for sustainable financing, stronger partnerships, and accountability mechanisms in adolescent health programming.
“We must move from dialogue to action. I call on all subnational governments to prioritise adolescent health by establishing and funding dedicated budget lines,” he urged.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister expressed confidence in Nigeria’s path forward under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stating: “Our shared vision is clear: to build a Nigeria where every adolescent can access the sexual and reproductive health services they need, live free from violence and discrimination, and thrive as empowered contributors to national development.”