The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Ms. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminating period poverty in Nigeria by advocating for the provision of free menstrual kits and products for all women and girls.

Speaking in a television interview on Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, themed “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld,” the Minister emphasized that menstrual health must go beyond advocacy and outreach programs to include tangible support such as the free distribution of sanitary products.

“Beyond advocacy, beyond running our programs, and beyond any other campaign, I believe the ultimate goal is to provide free menstrual kits and products for women,” she said. “No one should have to pay simply because they are menstruating.”

She announced that significant progress has been made in menstrual health efforts, including the unveiling of facilitator manuals on menstrual hygiene and the development of a national action plan and policy on menstrual health.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim revealed that the Ministry is actively collaborating with key stakeholders such as UNICEF, WaterAid, NYSC, SKDL, and others to enhance advocacy and public awareness. She also noted that corps members have been encouraged to adopt creative approaches to menstrual hygiene advocacy within their host communities.

“It’s crucial that, as a nation, we determine the path forward,” she stated. “There is already a policy of zero taxes on Nigerian-made sanitary towels. However, most of the products in circulation are imported, and we are not producing enough locally, despite our large population of women.”

She urged the private sector to seize the opportunity to invest in the local production of menstrual products, framing it as both an economic and social imperative.

“The goal is clear: zero period poverty for our women,” she asserted.

The Minister expressed deep concern about the struggles faced by women, especially at the grassroots level, in accessing sanitary products and maintaining menstrual hygiene.

“We don’t want menstruation to be a burden. We want our women to menstruate with pride,” she said.

When asked when Nigerian women would begin to receive free sanitary pads, the Minister explained that while there is no fixed timeline, the commitment remains unwavering.

“It’s an ongoing effort—one that we are fully committed to achieving. With Mr. President’s commitment to equity, justice, and the women’s agenda, I am confident that anything is possible,” she concluded.

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