Teenage Pregnancy Rates Highest in Northern Nigeria

A report released on Sunday in Abuja highlights that northern Nigeria faces a significant public health challenge with teenage pregnancy rates, particularly in Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kaduna states. According to the 2025 State Health Report, 32% of girls aged 15-19 in Kebbi are pregnant, followed by 30% in Zamfara and Kaduna.

The findings, drawn from the Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) 2024, indicate a stark regional disparity, necessitating targeted interventions to enhance adolescent reproductive health outcomes across Nigeria. The report notes that teenage pregnancy increases the risks of maternal and child morbidity and mortality and contributes to social challenges such as school dropout rates among adolescent girls.

It highlights that pregnancy prevalence declines with education, with 34% among girls with no schooling compared to 4% among those educated beyond secondary school. The report calls for the expansion of adolescent-focused interventions and improvements in primary healthcare services to better support reproductive health among teenagers.