By Hassanat Adebowale

The Bauchi State House of Assembly has passed a landmark bill to create sanitary pad banks across schools, correctional facilities, and community centers in the state. The legislation, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria, aims to address menstrual hygiene challenges and improve the welfare of women and girls.

Presenting the bill during Wednesday’s plenary session, Lawal Dauda, Chairman of the House Committee on Health, highlighted its significance. He stated that the initiative would help reduce school absenteeism caused by poor menstrual hygiene and provide much-needed support for underprivileged girls, women, and female inmates.

“This initiative is not just about providing sanitary pads; it’s about restoring dignity, supporting health, and creating opportunities for girls and women who are often hindered by issues surrounding menstrual hygiene,” Dauda said. “With this legislation, Bauchi is leading the way in addressing a significant public health and social challenge.”

Dauda further emphasized that the bill’s primary focus is to promote menstrual hygiene management and women’s development in the state.

The Speaker of the House, Abubakar Suleiman, commended the efforts of lawmakers and advocacy groups in championing the bill. He assured that the initiative would positively impact the lives of adolescent girls and women who struggle to afford basic hygiene products.

“This bill is a vital step forward for the state, as it directly addresses the needs of some of our most vulnerable citizens,” Suleiman said.

In reaction to the bill’s passage, Comfort Attah, Executive Director of ASHH Foundation, expressed gratitude to the Bauchi State government and legislators for prioritizing menstrual hygiene. She noted that while passing the bill was a significant achievement, the journey to implementation would only be complete once the governor assents to it.

“This is a milestone, but we must ensure the governor’s approval so the provisions of this bill can come to life,” Attah remarked.

GI’s Legal Corner

The passage of this bill aligns with Section 17(3)(d) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which requires the government to safeguard the health and welfare of its citizens.

Providing access to menstrual products can be seen as a critical aspect of the right to health and human dignity, rights that are protected under Nigerian law and various international human rights treaties.

The National Health Act of 2014 also places an obligation on governments to ensure access to basic healthcare services. This bill’s emphasis on menstrual health represents a forward-thinking interpretation of that responsibility.

By passing this legislation, Bauchi State is setting a remarkable precedent for addressing menstrual equity, one that could inspire other states across Nigeria to introduce similar initiatives.

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