Northern Nigeria tops with highest number of number pregnancies in the country, new report

Monday, March, 9 2026 - Teenage pregnancy remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, with northern states such as Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kaduna recording the highest rates in the country.

This is according to the 2025 State of Health of the Nation Report released in Abuja under the National Health Act (2014), which examined adolescent reproductive health trends across the country and highlighted growing regional disparities.

The report revealed that about 32 per cent of girls aged 15–19 in Kebbi have experienced pregnancy, while Zamfara and Kaduna recorded rates of about 30 per cent each. In contrast, Lagos and Edo reported much lower figures of around three per cent.

Data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2024 showed significant regional differences, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to improve reproductive health outcomes among adolescents.

According to the report, teenage pregnancy increases the risk of maternal and child illness and death, while also contributing to social challenges such as school dropout among young girls in affected areas.

It also found that pregnancy rates decline significantly with higher levels of education. About 34 per cent of girls with no formal schooling had experienced pregnancy, compared with just four per cent of those who had education beyond secondary school.

The report noted that the health sector expanded adolescent-focused interventions in 2025 to improve reproductive health services and support the goal of Universal Health Coverage. Efforts included strengthening primary healthcare systems and expanding community outreach programmes.

Investments were directed toward adolescent-friendly services at primary healthcare facilities, including family planning, HIV prevention, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections to improve access for teenagers.

Community health workers were also engaged to provide counselling and selected family planning services, helping adolescents in remote areas obtain reproductive health information and support alongside facility-based care.

The report added that school and community water, sanitation, and hygiene programmes were strengthened to improve the overall well-being of young people and reduce preventable infections.

Improvements were also recorded in menstrual hygiene management, with about 95 per cent of adolescent girls reporting they could wash and change privately at home, while 94 per cent said they use appropriate menstrual materials.

However, the report raised concerns about rising mental health challenges and substance abuse among adolescents. It noted increasing use of alcohol and drugs, including tramadol and cannabis, particularly among secondary school students.

Adolescents and young people aged 10–24 make up about 32 per cent of Nigeria’s population and carry a significant burden of mental health conditions, especially depression and anxiety.