Teenage pregnancy remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, with northern states such as Kebbi, Zamfara and Kaduna recording the highest prevalence among adolescent girls, according to the 2025 State of Health of the Nation Report.
The report, released on Sunday in Abuja and produced in line with the provisions of the National Health Act, examined nationwide trends in adolescent reproductive health and highlighted significant regional disparities.
Findings showed that about 32 percent of girls aged 15 to 19 in Kebbi State had experienced pregnancy, the highest rate recorded in the country. Zamfara and Kaduna states followed closely, each with a prevalence rate of 30 percent.
In contrast, southern states such as Lagos State and Edo State recorded significantly lower rates, with teenage pregnancy affecting approximately three percent of girls in the same age group.
The data, derived from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2024, underscores stark regional differences and highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve adolescent reproductive health outcomes across the country.
According to the report, teenage pregnancy significantly increases the risk of maternal and child morbidity and mortality. It also contributes to social challenges, particularly school dropout among adolescent girls in high-risk communities.
Education was identified as a major protective factor. The report revealed that pregnancy prevalence was highest about 34 percent among girls with no formal education, compared to just four percent among those who had education beyond secondary school.
Despite the challenges, the report noted progress in menstrual hygiene management among adolescents. About 95 percent of girls surveyed said they were able to wash and change menstrual materials privately at home, while 94 percent reported using appropriate menstrual hygiene products.
However, concerns were raised over growing mental health challenges and substance abuse among adolescents. The report pointed to increasing use of alcohol and drugs such as tramadol and cannabis, particularly among secondary school students nationwide.
Adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 make up roughly 32 percent of Nigeria’s population and carry a significant burden of mental health disorders, especially depression and anxiety, the report stated.
It also highlighted government efforts to strengthen mental health services, particularly through awareness campaigns and collaborations held during World Mental Health Day and International Adolescent Health Week in 2025.
These initiatives involved partnerships between the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and several civil society organisations working to address substance abuse and improve adolescent health outcomes nationwide.
