By Ladi Gbegi
Health experts have called on Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to include a specific budget line for family planning in the 2025 appropriation bill.
The experts made the call during a media roundtable held in Abuja on Monday, organized by the Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON) under the theme “Discussing and Reporting Family Planning Issues in the FCT.”
Opeyemi Adeosun, Programme Manager at HERFON, urged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to work with the National Assembly to secure a dedicated budget allocation for family planning.
He highlighted the lack of such funding as a major challenge, leaving women and adolescents vulnerable to maternal mortality, unintended pregnancies, and other health complications.
“The FCT plays a significant role in Nigeria’s high mortality rates, yet it remains one of the few states without a dedicated budget for family planning.
“Without a specific allocation, the government is not held accountable for this critical sector,” Adeosun said.
He also underscored the media’s role in creating awareness about the consequences of inadequate funding, particularly for policymakers, community leaders, and the public.
Bukola Afeni, Communications Consultant at HERFON, emphasized the importance of providing young people with accurate information about family planning.
She urged media organizations to advocate for increased funding and better access to family planning services, particularly in underserved rural areas.
“Family planning empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. It reduces maternal and infant mortality rates and promotes economic empowerment,” Afeni said.
She stressed that prioritizing family planning in the budget would greatly improve health outcomes and contribute to national development.
