The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, has urged stakeholders to address harmful gender norms to improve health outcomes for adolescents in Nigeria.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister highlighted how deeply entrenched social expectations can hinder access to essential medical services and reproductive health resources for young people. He noted that these norms often dictate the level of agency adolescents, particularly young women, have over their own bodies and health decisions.
The remarks were made during the 2026 Gender and Inclusion Summit, an event organised by the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). The summit brought together policymakers, development partners, and economic leaders to discuss the intersection of social inclusion and national development.
Addressing social barriers to healthcare
Salako emphasised that improving adolescent health requires more than just medical interventions; it necessitates a shift in the social and cultural frameworks that govern how young people interact with healthcare systems. Such frameworks can lead to increased risks in maternal health, nutrition, and mental wellbeing if left unaddressed. These observations were central to his presentation at the 2026 Gender and Inclusion Summit held in Abuja.
The summit, facilitated by PIC and NESG, aims to identify how inequality limits human capital development in Nigeria. By focusing on gender inclusion, the organisers seek to bridge the gap between social policy and economic productivity. Economic experts at the event pointed out that health disparities driven by gender norms have long-term consequences for the national economy. When adolescents lack access to proper healthcare due to social restrictions, it impacts their ability to complete education and participate effectively in the workforce later in life.
The involvement of the NESG suggests a growing recognition that social inclusion is not merely a social issue but a fundamental economic driver. Addressing the health of the youth population is seen as a prerequisite for sustainable economic growth and a more productive labour force.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is expected to engage with community leaders and various levels of government to develop frameworks that integrate gender-sensitive approaches into national health programmes. Stakeholders are now awaiting the formal publication of the summit’s recommendations to determine how these policy shifts will be implemented across the various geopolitical zones in the country.
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