Health professionals are sounding the alarm over the Federal Government’s decision to slash the 2025 family planning budget by a staggering 97 percent—a move they warn could result in a sharp rise in unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections across the country.
The funding has plummeted from N2.2 billion in 2024 to only N66.39 million in 2025, a cut experts strongly criticize as a profound setback for women’s reproductive health—especially for those living in rural or underserved communities.
Experts highlight that this drastic budget reduction will directly affect both the availability and accessibility of free contraceptive services at public clinics, which are a vital resource for women who depend on government-supplied family planning products.
There is concern that, amid economic difficulties, mounting poverty, and growing food insecurity, the slashed budget could force vulnerable women to engage in unprotected and risky sexual behaviors, with limited access to reproductive counseling or protection.
In interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, specialists in women’s reproductive health cautioned that the funding cut threatens to undermine Nigeria’s already fragile progress in reducing maternal mortality rates.
They emphasized that access to reproductive health care is a basic human right and urged the government to urgently review its decision for the sake of public health and national development.
Chris Aimakhu, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Ibadan in Oyo State, noted that even before the budget cut, awareness and utilization of family planning methods were insufficient.
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He explained that the reduced budget will compromise the supply of free contraceptives people rely on across various communities.
“Some areas are already getting less than they need, so access will become even worse as the funds dry up. This means a growing number of people—especially teenagers and young adults—won’t be able to access family planning, despite being sexually active and in need of these services,” he said.
“Without access, we face much higher rates of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, since barrier contraceptives—which offer protection against both—will become scarce. This makes young people particularly vulnerable to diseases like HIV and other STIs.
“Complications will inevitably arise: women with unintended pregnancies may seek unsafe abortions, exposing themselves to dangers such as severe bleeding, long-term infertility, or even death—especially among young people who turn to unsafe methods. Already, Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate is among the world’s highest, and the situation risks worsening if access to family planning is further curtailed. The repercussions extend beyond health: more babies will grow up without adequate parental support, and society will face increased instability,” Aimakhu added.
Aimakhu, who also serves as Second Vice President of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, stressed that the repercussions of this budget cut go far beyond women’s health alone.
He explained, “Without contraception, the population will grow faster—this leads to more pregnancies in a climate of economic struggle. Many families are already stretched, struggling to feed, shelter, and educate their children. Adding more children compounds these problems. Jobs are scarce, and the quality of education will fall as families can’t afford school fees. In the long term, unchecked population growth with shrinking resources spells trouble for everyone.”
Consultant Gynaecologist Dr. Ayodele Ademola also emphasized the crucial importance of free, accessible family planning services for women.
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He asserted that essential public health services like contraception and maternal health care should never be compromised, as they play a vital role in securing the health, well-being, and dignity of citizens.
“As someone who advocates passionately for women’s health, I insist that ensuring women have unhindered access to family planning—including contraceptives—is a fundamental right,” he said.
“Contraception and family planning aren’t just health necessities—they have been proven across the world as practical solutions to prevent unwanted pregnancies, which remain far too common in our society.
“Remember, abortion is illegal in Nigeria. If the goal is to reduce unwanted pregnancies and the dire consequences that often follow, then it is paramount to provide accessible and affordable contraception. This isn’t just a global best practice—it’s critically needed in our complex society.”
