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A non-governmental organization (NGO), FAB Treasure Foundation, urged the federal government on Thursday in Abuja to eliminate taxes on all sanitary pad products.
The foundation's executive director, Festus Abigail, made this request during a lecture on menstrual hygiene management aimed at the female students of Dabmak Great Foundation International School, Mpape, Abuja.
This event was held in partnership with Rejoice George Outreach and the Girl Force Movement, both NGOs, to honor the 2025 International Menstrual Hygiene Day, which is recognized globally on May 28.
Ms. Abigail stated that removing taxes from sanitary pad products would significantly lower their market prices, making them more accessible for girls and their families.
She emphasized that this policy would also enhance proper hygiene among adolescent girls and encourage them to remain in school, as many tend to avoid school during their menstrual cycles.
“Today, we are at Dabmak Great Foundation Group of School to mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day. This day was established by the United Nations to raise awareness about menstruation,” she said.
“Menstrual health has become a public health concern, and it is vital for young girls to understand menstruation, be aware of the changes in their bodies, and have access to essential products for managing their periods.”
Abigail mentioned that they were there to educate young girls about menstruation and provide free sanitary pads, believing that the girls had gained valuable insights, including detailed information they shared.
“We have informed them about the three Ps they need to know: the Product, the Practice, and the Pain,” she explained.
“Menstrual cramps are a significant issue that young girls face. We also guide them on recognizing when the pain is mild, when it is severe, and when to seek medical help.” She encouraged the girls to view menstruation as an essential aspect of their lives.
Bologun Teniola, a representative from Rejoice George Outreach, stressed the importance of parents providing sex education to their daughters to guide them appropriately, emphasizing the need to break the culture of silence surrounding issues faced by girls.
Teniola encouraged girls to embrace self-love and confidence during their menstrual periods and called for increased government investment in programs that educate girls about menstrual hygiene, as well as greater support for NGOs involved in these initiatives.
She also advocated for the inclusion of menstrual hygiene education in the school curriculum to offer better guidance to girls.
Rabyat Aliyu, Head of the Humanities Department at the school, expressed gratitude to the speakers for their lecture, noting that it had greatly enhanced the girls’ understanding of menstrual hygiene.
“I truly appreciate FAB Treasure Foundation for what they accomplished today. It has been impactful, particularly in this era where parents often lack time for their teenagers. What this NGO has done is commendable,” she added.
Mariam Odey, the school principal, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how informative and encouraging the program was.
Farida Iyere, the head prefect, thanked FAB Treasure Foundation, noting that she had learned many important lessons from the session.
Gideon Miracle, the sanitary prefect of the school, also mentioned that she gained a lot of knowledge.
