By Ayinde Muhammed
The Delopment Communication network has reiterated the importance of family Planning in advancing women’s rights and empowerment in Nigeria.
The program Officer of DEVCOM network, Eletu Suliyat, made this known through a press release made available to newsmen on March 7, 2025.
Mrs Eletu said acccess to Family Planning services enables women to complete their education, participate in the workforce, and contribute meaningfully to society.
“Childbirth spacing significantly reduces maternal and infant mortality rates, promoting healthier families and stronger communities,” she said.
Speaking on the 2025 theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ calls for rapid advancements in gender equality, the program officer noted that the theme focuses on recognising strategies and tools that drive women’s progress in education, employment, and leadership.
“At DevComs, we strongly support the theme of the 2025 IWD through accelerating Women’s Access to Family planning (FP), which is more than just a health intervention—it is a catalyst for gender equality, economic empowerment, and sustainable development,” says the Communication/Knowledge Management Officer Suliyat Eletu.
Dr. Taiwo Johnson, the Country lead at The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria asserts that “by allowing women to make informed choices about their reproductive health, FP/Childbirth Spacing ensures better health outcomes, improved economic opportunities, and enhanced quality of life for families and communities.”
He said The Challenge Initiative (TCI) has been supporting the government of Nigeria since 2017, providing technical support to 22 States across the country for a sustainable local response to the needs of women and families.
Managed by The Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP), TCI’s Nigeria hub accelerates the proven to work high-impact family planning approaches and provides guidance to self-selected states, local government areas (LGAs), and partners willing to invest in family planning.
He noted that New states, cities, and partners ask for technical and financial coaching and mentoring to implement successful family planning programming to match their investments.
Dr Johnson described Family Planning/Childbirth Spacing as a cornerstone for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on women’s health, economic growth, and gender equality.
He noted that family planning/Child spacing ensures that all the sustainable development goals which includes; Good health and well being, Quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, and climate actio are adequately achieved for the betterment of women.
He also highlighted some of the challenges that continue to hinder Family Planning accessibility in Nigeria despite the efforts of stakeholders.
The challenges include
Cultural and religious resistance to modern contraceptives,
Stockouts of FP commodities due to supply chain disruptions,
Inadequate funding and policy gaps limiting service expansion.
Also part of the challenges are the
Misconceptions and myths discouraging contraceptive use,
Limited male involvement in FP decision-making,
Poor healthcare access, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas, and
Weak logistics management systems affecting FP commodity availability.
Amid the numerous challenges, Dr Taiwo stated the way forward for a sustainable family planning activities in Nigeria.
“To sustain the gains of FP for the future the country must ensure continued progress, by:
Institutionalizing FP training in medical and nursing schools.
Strengthening FP commodity security through improved supply chains.”
“Integrating FP into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programs,
Fostering community ownership through collaboration with CSOs and traditional leaders,
Expanding government commitment to FP budgeting and funding,”
Dr Taiwo reiterated that TCI work in the six geopolitical zones across Nigeria, where real progress is being made through advocacy, education, and community-led interventions.
He promised that the journey is ongoing, but with sustained commitment, a future where every woman can access Family Planning services within reach.
End
