Despite the Federal Government’s removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on sanitary products, millions of Nigerian women and girls continue to face period poverty due to rising costs, poor sanitation infrastructure and limited access to menstrual hygiene facilities.

The challenge extends beyond affordability, as inadequate access to clean water, sanitation and menstrual health education continues to expose many girls to health risks, stigma and school absenteeism.

Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed globally on May 28 under the theme “#PeriodFriendlyWorld”, bringing together governments, United Nations agencies, civil society organisations, researchers and communities to promote menstrual health and hygiene (MHH).

Observed yearly since 2014 and coordinated by WASH United, with support from organisations including the United Nations Children’s Fund, the campaign seeks to raise awareness about the challenges many women and girls face in managing menstruation safely and with dignity.

The yearly campaign also encourages action to address stigma, improve access to menstrual products and information, and strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene services.

Speaking on World Menstrual Hygiene Day, development and public policy firm, Mangrove and Partners Limited, said menstruation should be treated not only as a health issue, but also as a matter of dignity, inclusion and equal opportunity.

The organisation cited data from the World Health Organisation showing that about 500 million women and girls globally lack access to adequate menstrual hygiene facilities.

It also referenced findings from the 2021 WASH-NORM survey, which revealed that only 11 per cent of Nigerians have access to basic Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services, while nearly 25 per cent of women and girls experience period poverty due to the high cost of sanitary products.

According to the firm, despite the Federal Government’s recent removal of VAT on sanitary towels, pads and tampons under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, the policy alone may not significantly reduce the burden on vulnerable households without broader investments in menstrual health infrastructure and awareness.

Chief Executive Officer of Mangrove and Partners Limited, Timeyin Uwejamomere, said addressing menstrual health challenges requires practical and sustainable interventions.

“Achieving a period-friendly world requires more than advocacy alone; it demands practical engineering and sustainable financing solutions,” he said.

He stressed the need for stronger investment in WASH infrastructure and pro-poor financing mechanisms to ensure girls can manage menstruation safely and with dignity.

The organisation also urged the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to accelerate approval and implementation of the National Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Policy across states.

Uwejamomere added that tackling period poverty would require coordinated efforts involving government agencies, schools, healthcare institutions and communities to ensure menstruation is no longer treated as a source of shame or exclusion for women and girls.