The Lagos State Government has called for increased investment in menstrual health, describing it as a critical development concern with significant impact on education, economic growth, gender equality and public health outcomes.
The appeal was made on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs Kaphayah Sarumi, during the first commemoration of International Menstrual Hygiene Day held in Lagos and organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).
Speaking on the theme, “Advancing Menstrual Health Management in Nigeria,” Sarumi stressed that menstrual care should no longer be viewed as a private matter or a concern limited to women alone, but rather as a key national development priority.
“When a girl or woman can manage her menstrual cycle with comfort, safety and pride, we see the results immediately in better health outcomes, higher school attendance, increased productivity and a stronger economy,” she said.
The programme brought together students, researchers, development experts and advocates to discuss how menstrual health contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sarumi explained that global discussions on menstruation have expanded beyond hygiene, now including access to affordable products, education, supportive policies and broader social inclusion.
She noted that Nigeria has recorded progress in recent years, pointing to the approval of the National Policy on Menstrual Health in August 2025 as evidence of stronger national commitment.
According to her, menstrual health management is now understood as a comprehensive system that includes access to safe products, public awareness, healthcare support, gender equality initiatives and policy reforms.
“Through the framework established by UNICEF in 2019, we now recognise menstrual health management as a comprehensive ecosystem.
“It is about breaking barriers to ensure gender equality, ensuring access to safe and affordable materials, empowering professionals with the right information, shifting social norms and advocating for supportive policies,” she said.
Sarumi also drew attention to the environmental challenges linked to menstrual waste, urging stakeholders to prioritise sustainable solutions and encourage local production of eco-friendly alternatives.
“The average woman uses approximately 150 kilogrammes of non-biodegradable menstrual waste in her lifetime. We cannot safeguard the dignity of women at the expense of our planet,” she said.
She further recommended wider use of reusable menstrual products, including menstrual cups and period underwear, as part of efforts to reduce environmental impact.
She explained that menstrual health is directly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, quality education, good health and wellbeing, gender equality and reduced inequalities.
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Reaffirming the state government’s commitment, Sarumi said Lagos would continue to work with development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector to advance menstrual health initiatives.
“Let us continue to break the culture of silence and ensure that every girl in Nigeria can walk with her head held high every day of the month,” she said.
Earlier, the Director-General of the NIIA, Prof Eghosa Osaghae, described menstrual health as a human rights issue that goes beyond hygiene, touching on dignity, equality and social inclusion.
He noted that cultural misconceptions and taboos around menstruation remain widespread in many communities and continue to affect women and girls.
“Women should not suffer discrimination because of menstruation. They have a right and a voice,” Osaghae said.
Also speaking, NIIA Research Fellow, Dr Esther Idowu, stated that more than two billion people menstruate globally, yet many still lack access to safe and dignified menstrual care.
She added that menstrual health remains closely tied to the achievement of key SDGs, particularly those relating to education, gender equality and water and sanitation.
The speakers collectively agreed that improving menstrual health outcomes requires coordinated efforts from governments, schools, healthcare providers, communities and development partners.