The Critical Importance of Youth Health in Nigeria

Nigeria’s demographic profile is heavily skewed toward young people. According to data from the Federal Ministry of Health, adolescents make up 23 percent of Nigeria’s population. Meanwhile, estimates from demographic projections show that around 24 percent of the population is aged 10–19, and roughly a third (34%) are aged 10–24. With over 60% of Nigerians under the age of 30, according to the National Population Commission, the health and wellbeing of young people is not just a social issue — it is a vital national development priority.

This enormous youth cohort represents a double-edged sword. If properly supported, they can become a “demographic dividend” — a powerful driver of economic and social growth. But if their health needs are neglected, the consequences can undermine development, entrench inequality, and overload the health system.

Youth Health Is Central to Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Future

Adolescents are more than just future citizens — they are key actors in the present. Healthy young people are more likely to stay in education, avoid early and unintended pregnancies, and contribute productively to society. The Federal Government itself has stressed that “investing in adolescent health today, we invest in a healthier, more resilient society tomorrow.”

By prioritizing youth health, Nigeria is investing in its human capital. This includes not just physical health, but mental and social well-being — building the foundation for a generation that can lead and innovate.

Alarming Reproductive Health Challenges Among Nigerian Youth

One of the most urgent youth health concerns is around sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Nigeria’s adolescent fertility rate remains very high compared to global and regional averages. For example:

According to data from the World Bank, Nigeria’s adolescent fertility rate is about 101.7 births per 1,000 women aged 15–19 as of 2020.
Historical data show that in 2013, Nigeria’s adolescent fertility was 118 births per 1,000 women aged 15–19, much higher than many other countries.
Regional studies confirm that adolescent pregnancy remains a major challenge, with some areas (especially in the North-West) seeing rates significantly higher than the national average.

These high fertility rates among young women carry deep implications:

Increased risk of maternal mortality. Pregnancy and childbirth are dangerous, especially for adolescents, and some estimates suggest that a significant portion of deaths among girls aged 15–19 are related to pregnancy and childbirth.
Educational disruption. Teenage pregnancy often forces girls out of school, limiting their future opportunities.
Limited contraceptive use. In policy dialogues, it has been highlighted that uptake of modern contraceptives among unmarried, sexually active adolescent girls remains very low.
Increased risk of unsafe abortion and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Systemic Barriers to Youth-Friendly Health Services

Despite the clear need, many young Nigerians face significant obstacles in accessing health services that cater to their needs. Below is why.

Policy gaps and implementation. Although Nigeria has had a National Adolescent Health Policy since 1995, implementation across many regions remains weak. Many health facilities are not youth-friendly or adapted to the specific needs of adolescents.
Social and cultural barriers. In many communities, open conversations about sex, contraception, or adolescent mental health are stigmatized, preventing young people from seeking care.
Economic and geographic access. Rural youth, or those from low-income families, often lack the means or confidence to access health facilities.
Lack of integrated services. Health programs may not be set up to address both mental health, reproductive health, and social support in a coordinated way.

Beyond Reproductive Health: Mental Health, Violence, and Nutrition

Youth health in Nigeria is not limited to sexual and reproductive issues. Other critical areas include:

Mental health. Adolescents are vulnerable to mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and stress, but access to mental health services is generally limited.
Violence and injury. Young people are more likely to experience accidents, interpersonal violence, or risky behaviours.
Nutrition. Malnutrition in adolescence can have long-lasting effects on growth, cognitive development, and future economic productivity.
Adolescence, moreover, is a key time when the effects of earlier childhood illness or malnutrition may re-emerge, and preventive interventions can have outsized long-term benefits

Policy Momentum & Call to Action

There are signs that Nigerian policymakers are increasingly recognising the urgency of adolescent health:

In 2025, the Federal Ministry of Health called for stronger investment in adolescent health, linking it directly to socio-economic progress.
The National Youth Policy (2019–2023) acknowledges the youth bulge and the need to align national development strategies with youth empowerment.
International partners, including UNICEF, are also raising the profile of adolescent health: in its State of Nigeria’s Children 2024 report, UNICEF highlights the immense importance of investing in children and adolescents as a strategic opportunity for nation-building.

Why Investing in Youth Health Is Not a Cost — It’s an Investment

High return on investment. When adolescents are healthy, they are more likely to stay in school, delaying early pregnancy and contributing to economic growth.
Reduced long-term health burden. Preventing complications from early pregnancy, unsafe abortion, or untreated STI saves costs for the healthcare system.
Equity and inclusion. Prioritising youth health helps address inequalities, especially for marginalized or underserved groups.
Harnessing the demographic dividend: Nigeria’s large youth population is potentially a major source of innovation and productivity — but only if they’re supported.

What YOHESOR Is Doing to Improve Youth Health in Nigeria

We are making a real difference in tackling these challenges and improving the health landscape for young people in Nigeria:

Rigorous Research & Evidence Generation

YOHESOR conducts field surveys, systematic reviews and other research to understand the real health issues affecting young Nigerians.
By producing data-driven policy briefs, YOHESOR helps translate evidence into actionable recommendations for governments and stakeholders.

Policy Advocacy & Lobbying

The organisation engages in advocacy with policymakers, working to influence youth health policies, and ensuring adolescent health is included in national strategies.
YOHESOR also monitors legislative processes (“legislature tracking”) to make sure that youth health remains on political agendas.
They produce policy briefs and advocate for policies that ensure youth-friendly services are part of national health systems.

Capacity Building & Empowerment

Through training seminars and workshops, YOHESOR builds the capacity of youth, health workers, and community stakeholders to address youth health effectively.
They support collaborative approaches, helping young people and institutions co-create health programs that are relevant and accessible.

Promoting Youth Rights

YOHESOR runs a “Youth Rights” pillar: they educate young people about their rights to health, equality, education, and participation.
They do legal advocacy, community engagement, and campaigns to ensure that young people can demand and access health services without discrimination.

YOHESOR promotes adolescent- and youth-friendly health services, pushing for health systems that are welcoming, confidential, and tailored to young people’s needs.
They also champion broader social reforms, recognizing that health isn’t just medical — it’s deeply connected to youth empowerment, education, and participation.

Youth Participation & Voice

The organisation strongly believes in youth participation: young people are involved in research design, advocacy campaigns, and program implementation.
By giving a platform to youth voices, YOHESOR ensures that health programs reflect real needs, rather than assumptions.

The Impact & Future Potential of YOHESOR’s Work

Through its research and advocacy, YOHESOR is helping influence national and sub-national health policies to be more youth-friendly and evidence-based.
By empowering youth with knowledge of their rights and health, the organisation contributes to building a generation that can advocate for itself — ensuring sustainability.
The capacity building ensures that not only young people but also health workers and community leaders are better equipped to support adolescent health.
As YOHESOR grows, it has the potential to scale its interventions across more regions in Nigeria and beyond, aligning with its mission to serve Sub-Saharan Africa broadly.

Conclusion

Youth health in Nigeria is a critical issue — one that intersects with education, gender equity, social justice, and national development. YOHESOR’s work is vital because it tackles this challenge at multiple levels: from grassroots research to national policy advocacy, from capacity building to rights-based empowerment.

By supporting and scaling up YOHESOR’s interventions, stakeholders — including government agencies, donors, and civil society — can contribute to a future where young Nigerians are healthier, more informed, and empowered to shape the path ahead. Strengthening youth health isn’t just a social good — it’s an investment in Nigeria’s future.