Lawmaker raises alarm over escalating rate of teenage pregnancy in Akwa Ibom, urges action

Lawmaker representing Ibiono Ibom in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Moses Essien, has raised alarm over the escalating rate of teenage pregnancy in the state, calling for urgent action to address the crisis.

Essien, who chairs the House Committee on Health, emphasized that young girls, particularly those aged 15 to 17, should be in school pursuing education rather than grappling with the responsibilities of motherhood.

In an exclusive interview on Tuesday, Essien stated, “It’s unacceptable for children as young as 15 to be engaged in family chores or motherhood when they’re not ready. We must intensify sensitization campaigns to educate our daughters about the right time for family life.”

He expressed concern over the sight of pregnant teens hawking on the streets during school hours, having dropped out due to early pregnancies.

He urged the state government and advocacy groups to launch robust awareness campaigns to curb this growing issue.

Essien also revealed that he has proposed a motion in the State House of Assembly to extend maternity leave for nursing mothers from three to six months and introduce paternity leave for fathers.

“This will allow parents to jointly combat malnutrition and promote exclusive breastfeeding, which is critical for a child’s growth and bonding with the mother,” he explained.

He added, “When mothers have the opportunity to stay home and nurse their babies, we can address challenges like stunted growth and childhood diseases.”

The lawmaker stressed the need for early attitudinal change, noting, “We must instill the right values in our youth from a tender age to prevent them from entering family life prematurely.”

He also critiqued the state’s 2025 health budget, which allocates 7.5 percent to the sector, falling short of the 15 percent recommended by the Economic Community of West African States.

“While the current administration has improved from the previous 4 to 5 percent allocation, 7.5 percent is still inadequate.

“We hope to see an increase to 9 percent in 2026 to meet expectations,” Essien said.

He commended the state government under Governor Umo Eno for its efforts to prioritize health but urged further action to tackle both teenage pregnancy and underfunding in the sector to secure a healthier future for Akwa Ibom’s youth.