Stakeholders in Nigeria’s reproductive health sector have called for more tailored, context-specific communication strategies to improve the uptake of modern family planning (FP) methods across the country. This call was made during a dissemination webinar hosted on Wednesday, 26 June 2025, by the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), to share findings from the Family Planning Communication Landscaping Assessment conducted in Lagos, Kaduna, and Kano states.
The virtual event, which brought together public health experts, communication professionals, policymakers, and development partners, highlighted the urgent need to align FP messaging with the media habits, cultural contexts, and method preferences of target populations, especially adolescents and youth.
Welcoming participants to the session, moderator Precious Kanayo-Omonoju set the tone for the event, which provided a platform for reflection on the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the six-month research project.
Evaluation and learning expert, Mr Chukwuemeka Nwimo, who gave an overview of the study’s objectives, emphasised the importance of evidence-based communication in bridging the gap between awareness and adoption of modern contraceptive methods. “There is high awareness of family planning across the three states, but uptake remains low. This study helps us understand why,” he said.
Presenting the research methodology and key findings, Dr Matthew Okoh, the project’s lead research consultant, revealed that although Lagos recorded the highest use of modern contraceptives at 41.6%, uptake was significantly lower in Kano (27.4%) and Kaduna (26.8%). The most preferred methods across the states were implants, injectables, and male condoms, with clear variation by age, gender, and location.
Dr Okoh noted that adolescents in Kano showed high use of injectables, while male condom use was particularly high among youth in Lagos. “These findings show that one-size-fits-all approaches are not effective. Communication must be tailored to suit different demographics and regional dynamics,” he stated.
In his presentation on challenges and lessons learned, Dr Okoh highlighted the persistence of myths and misconceptions, limited youth-friendly communication, and inadequate digital engagement, particularly in the northern states. He recommended more strategic use of influencers, digital platforms, and culturally appropriate messaging.
The event also featured a lively Q&A session and open discussion moderated by Kanayo-Omonoju, where participants shared insights and asked questions around sustainability, community engagement, and policy implications.
In his vote of thanks, Mr Oluyemi Abodunrin, Senior Programme Manager at CCSI, commended the research team and reaffirmed CCSI’s commitment to supporting data-driven interventions that strengthen Nigeria’s family plan
ning ecosystem.
