Men in Lagos have cried out over the rising cost of condoms and demanded affordable family planning options.
A growing number of men in Lagos are voicing frustration over the rising cost of condoms one of the few family planning options available to them and are calling on the government and donor agencies to intervene.
They argue that the soaring prices have made condoms a “luxury item,” worsening an already harsh economic reality and limiting access to safe sex. Many are now appealing for subsidized or free family planning options for men, similar to the support women receive.
Legal and Economic Pressures
Under Section 277 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, any man who impregnates a woman whether married or not, must provide food, shelter, and medical care for her during pregnancy or face penalties, including fines of up to ₦45,000.
While the law aims to discourage neglect and promote responsibility, many men say it has heightened anxiety about unintended pregnancies amid a struggling economy.
“The condom I used to buy for ₦50 now costs ₦600 for just three pieces,” lamented Chris, a 40-year-old father of four from Egan-Igando, Alimosho. “We’re trying to survive. Spending ₦20,000 a month on condoms is unrealistic.”
Visits to pharmacies confirmed price variations, with packs of three selling between ₦500 and ₦600. A pharmacist defended the pricing, citing inflation and increased import costs.
Fear, Abstinence, and Limited Options
For some men, the cost has led to reduced intimacy or complete abstinence.
“I haven’t had sex in almost a year,” said Kayode Lawrence, an unmarried resident of Victoria Island. “I can’t risk getting anyone pregnant. The law scares me, and condoms are too expensive.”
Others note that some women react poorly to hormonal contraceptives, leaving couples with limited safe alternatives.
“Family planning shouldn’t just be for women,” said Chris. “We need more affordable, reversible options for men.”
Currently, condoms and vasectomy remain the two primary male contraception methods. However, vasectomy services are scarce and expensive, leaving condoms as the only practical choice for most.
Nigeria’s Family Planning Challenge
Nigeria’s population has surpassed 200 million, and with a fertility rate of 5.3 births per woman, it is projected to reach 379 million by 2050, according to Family Planning 2030.
Yet, access to modern contraceptives remains limited and costly.
A Guttmacher Institute study found that over 14 million Nigerian women lack access to modern contraceptives. Meanwhile, inflation now above 33% has further restricted affordability.
Typical costs include:
-
Condoms: ₦500–₦2,000 per pack
-
Emergency pills: ₦1,600–₦2,700
-
Implants: ₦4,000–₦6,500
With a minimum wage of ₦30,000, these prices remain out of reach for many.
Calls for Policy Change and Inclusion
Civil society groups say the current system largely excludes men.
“Family planning services in Lagos are free for women at public health centers, but men are left out,” said Bola Nuga, a maternal health advocate.
“There’s an urgent need for male-focused education and services.”
Similarly, Barrister Ayo Adebusoye of the Lagos Reproductive Health Coalition noted that the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme covers family planning for women — but not for men. “Men still rely solely on condoms,” he said.
During the 2025 World Contraceptive Day celebration in Ikeja, Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, urged men to actively support their partners in embracing family planning. The event, themed “Empowering Choices, Your Future, Your Control,” was supported by ISMPH and EngenderHealth.
However, several respondents insist that single and young men also need targeted support and access to affordable reproductive health options.
The Road Ahead
Despite occasional free distributions during campaigns such as World Condom Day, supply remains far below demand. Many men hope for increased government and private sector attention to make male family planning more accessible and affordable.
“Even if we are not rich,” Chris concluded, “intimacy is a natural part of life. It shouldn’t be taken away by poverty or fear of pregnancy.”