After over three years of implementation, The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria has formally handed over its family planning programme to the Edo State government for sustained ownership.

TCI Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Taiwo Johnson, made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting on sustaining family planning interventions held on Tuesday in Benin.

Johnson noted that the handover marked a significant milestone in their journey with the Edo government, which started over three and a half years ago.

She described the moment as a transitioning point, signalling a shift in responsibility from TCI to the government for all family planning activities in the state.

“Now that we are transitioning to self-reliance, we expect Edo to take complete ownership of all family planning activities,” she said

She noted that global funding for family planning had decreased, referencing the withdrawal of support by major partners, including USAID and other international donors.

She stated that although TCI 2.0 was coming to a close, a new version was expected in 2026, with modalities still under discussion.

She commended the Edo State Ministry of Health and staff for their support, especially their collaboration with the state programme coordinator since the project’s inception.

Johnson revealed that, unlike in 2024, the state has not secured any funding for family planning in 2025, stressing that the gap must be addressed urgently.

“No product, no service, even with training, demand generation, and media support, if commodities are not available, family planning services will fail,” she stressed.

She also acknowledged the contributions of other partners collaborating to ensure that Edo’s family planning indices continued to improve.

“Family planning is critical. If properly implemented, it can reduce maternal mortality by as much as 30 per cent

According to her, with the commitment of the Health Ministry and Commissioner, Edo can successfully continue the implementation of TCI’s family planning model.

In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, commended TCI’s efforts at addressing a critical gap in the state’s public health landscape.

He emphasised that with focused intervention in nine local government areas, TCI has helped Edo improve service delivery and build the capacity of health workers.

“We have seen a measurable increase in contraceptive pre-balance, a stronger referral system, and an encouraging reduction in the unmet need for family planning services.

“We have witnessed a shift in communities towards accepting and owning their reproductive choices guided by accurate information and data.

“TCI may be closing shop in terms of direct implementation. But the seeds they have planted will continue to yield results for years to come.

“Let us continue to champion the message that family planning is not a health issue. It is a development tool,” he said