Residents of Lagos have expressed concerns over the escalating cost of condoms, fearing it could lead to unsafe sex practices and unintended pregnancies.
According to some residents interviewed by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the prices of condoms have surged by 50 to 200 per cent compared to last year.
The increasing prices have forced some individuals to consider alternative contraceptive methods, such as withdrawal, raising fears of potential risks, including unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Felix Atuche, a banker, lamented the affordability challenges posed by the rising condom prices, leading him to resort to withdrawal methods. Similarly, Monisola Ajayi, a businesswoman, highlighted the higher cost of female condoms, which has further exacerbated the situation.
Youth corps member Celestine Adesola emphasized the implications of expensive condoms on the sexual health of young people, urging increased awareness and distribution of free condoms by non-governmental organizations.
Pharmacist Michael Achoji attributed the price hikes to factors such as inflation, production costs, and foreign exchange rates, calling on the government to prioritize sexual and reproductive health issues and ensure access to affordable contraceptives.
The rising condom prices have raised significant concerns among Lagos residents, underscoring the importance of addressing affordability and accessibility issues to safeguard public health.
