The Bauchi State House of Assembly has approved groundbreaking legislation that will provide free sanitary pads to female students in primary, secondary, and community schools throughout the state, addressing critical menstrual hygiene challenges faced by schoolgirls.
The amendment to the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board Law of 2012 was passed during a special legislative session yesterday, led by Speaker Abubakar Y. Suleiman. The bill was presented by Hon. Lawal Dauda, representing Sade Constituency and Chair of the House Committee on Health, with Deputy Speaker Jamilu Ummaru Dahiru seconding the motion.
In media comments following the session, Hon. Dauda explained that the initiative aims to promote gender equity while improving school attendance rates and protecting the health and dignity of female students. “This amended law creates a structured framework for establishing and managing pad banks in line with global standards and Sustainable Development Goals,” he stated.
The comprehensive legislation requires key government agencies—including the Ministries of Health, Education, and Women Affairs—to establish dedicated Menstrual Hygiene Units. These units will oversee education programs on reusable sanitary products and ensure accessibility across both public and private educational institutions.
Additional provisions mandate that female boarding school students must provide at least three packets of sanitary pads, with penalties established for non-compliance by schools or individuals. The law also requires the formation of Menstrual Hygiene Clubs in schools and establishes dedicated budget lines for menstrual hygiene activities within relevant government departments.
Speaker Suleiman reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to championing women’s and girls’ needs throughout the state. Following the bill’s passage, Mrs. Comfort Attah, Executive Director of ASHH Foundation, noted that Bauchi has become the first state in Nigeria to introduce such legislation, praising the Assembly for its progressive approach.
The initiative received support from several development organizations, including Women for Women International, ASHH Foundation, and Child is Gold Foundation.
