A health advocacy group, Saqafatul Islam Foundation Nigeria (SIFN), has called on the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, to clarify issues surrounding the integrity of Nigeria’s reproductive health policies, potential external influence, and public confidence.

In an open letter signed by Muhammad Awwal Ahmadu, Secretary of the organisation, SIFN described itself as a patriotic stakeholder urging the minister to comment on matters of growing public concern: “Nigeria’s fertility rate, the integrity of reproductive health policy discussions, and the implications of recent international disclosures for public trust.”

The group noted that public reporting and commentary in recent weeks—including references to materials linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case—have raised anxieties among Nigerians about whether influential foreign individuals or networks may be influencing demographic outcomes in the country.

“While SIFN does not claim personal knowledge of the authenticity, completeness, or legal meaning of any purported communications circulating online, the public perception of possible external agenda-setting has become significant and warrants clear reassurance from Nigeria’s health leadership,” the group stated.

SIFN emphasised that Nigeria’s fertility rate is frequently discussed in global public health circles and asserted that any policy or programme relating to fertility, family planning, maternal health, or reproductive services must be grounded in Nigerian law, public health evidence, human rights standards, and the autonomy and informed consent of Nigerian women.

“For citizens to maintain confidence in health initiatives, they must be assured that policies are transparent and not influenced by improper considerations, whether real or perceived,” the group added.

The organisation requested clarification on the independence of Nigeria’s reproductive health policy and the safeguards in place to ensure that family planning policies are developed solely in the national interest, free from undue influence by external actors.

It also called for transparency regarding partnerships, programmes, and funding, urging the Ministry to publish detailed information about key partnerships and donor-supported initiatives in reproductive and maternal health, including governance structures, oversight mechanisms, and accountability standards.