Why Many Nigerian Men Resist Family Planning: Culture, Control, and Misinformation

In Nigeria, conversations around family planning often revolve around women — yet it’s frequently the men who hold the final say. Despite ongoing advocacy from health experts and development agencies, male resistance remains one of the biggest obstacles to contraceptive uptake in the country.

A Gendered Burden

Across much of Nigeria, family planning is still largely seen as "a woman’s thing." This deeply ingrained notion has slowed progress in curbing Nigeria’s rapid population growth and improving reproductive health outcomes. While the benefits of contraception — including better maternal health, reduced poverty, and improved family well-being — are widely acknowledged, many men remain unconvinced or openly hostile to the idea.

According to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, only 17% of married women use modern contraceptives, with even lower rates in rural areas. Experts say male opposition is a major reason for the slow progress.

Why the Resistance?

The reasons are complex and intertwined — from cultural beliefs and religious teachings to fears about masculinity and misinformation.

The Pressure of a Growing Population

With over 220 million people and counting, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. The World Bank projects that number could climb to over 377 million by 2050. The burden of this growth falls hardest on rural communities, where access to healthcare is limited and contraceptives are often viewed with suspicion.

Almost half the population is under 15. With a national fertility rate of 5.3 births per woman — and higher in rural areas — the pressure on public services, education, and jobs is mounting.

UNICEF has warned that without widespread adoption of voluntary family planning, Nigeria could face deeper poverty, food insecurity, and overburdened healthcare systems.

Culture, Power, and Patriarchy

In many communities, having a large number of children is tied to status and perceived wealth — particularly for men.

“Among the Hausa, Fulani, and even parts of Yoruba and Igbo communities, many believe a man’s strength is shown through the size of his household,” says anthropologist Mercy Ifijeh. “Children are seen as blessings — and as labour, future support, and a sign of divine favour.”

In these patriarchal societies, men often make decisions about how many children a woman should have — sometimes with little to no input from their wives.

Misinformation and Fear

Fear of side effects, rumors, and half-truths are common barriers. According to Dr. Ifeoma Ezike, “Many men wrongly believe family planning will make their wives infertile or promiscuous.”

These myths often go unchallenged due to a lack of male-targeted health education. A 2020 study found that 45% of Nigerian men surveyed believed contraception causes permanent infertility.

Sexual Control and Insecurity

Some men also view contraception as a threat to their control over their wives. “If a woman is on birth control, some men fear she will cheat without the fear of pregnancy,” says Lagos-based counsellor Ngozi Amadi. “It’s about control — not health.”

Men Left Out of the Conversation

Despite being key decision-makers in most households, men are rarely the target of family planning campaigns. Clinics and outreach programs primarily focus on women, leaving men feeling excluded and, in some cases, suspicious of the agenda.

Economic Irony

Although large families are often seen as a source of economic strength — especially in agrarian communities — they can also be a financial strain. Many families struggle to feed and educate all their children.

Yet, the belief persists that more children equal more hands for work, especially in farming and street trading. Family planning is wrongly viewed as unnecessary or only for the urban elite.

Some Voices of Change

Not all men are resistant. A growing number are beginning to see the benefits.

Abdulrahman Adeyemo, a tailor in Lagos, shared, “After our fourth child, I told my wife to go for family planning. It was becoming too much — rent, school fees, feeding.”

Another father, Samuel Uzo from Anambra, explained, “I didn’t believe in it before. But after my wife had three kids in three years, I knew something had to change. We chose an implant, and life has become more manageable.”

Still, many remain firm in their opposition. Chukwudi Dimkpa, a mechanic in Owerri, said, “If my wife starts using family planning, she’ll think she’s free. That’s how women start misbehaving.”

Religious Influence Runs Deep

In Northern Nigeria, some Islamic clerics argue that family planning interferes with divine will. Although prominent Islamic institutions, like the Islamic Fiqh Academy, have issued rulings that permit contraception with consent and no harm, many local communities remain resistant.

Christian views are more mixed. While the Catholic Church officially opposes artificial birth control, some Pentecostal and evangelical churches support it for responsible parenting. However, others, like Pastor Chris Okotie, condemn it as encouraging promiscuity.

Changing the Narrative

Health professionals stress the need for inclusive campaigns that involve men. Dr. Amaka Eze of the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative said, “We need to move away from ‘women-only’ messaging. Men must understand how family planning benefits the whole family.”

Some NGOs are now offering joint counselling sessions for couples and engaging male religious and community leaders in spreading accurate information.

Looking Ahead

Nigeria’s population boom is not just a number — it’s a real challenge affecting education, jobs, health, and security. Without stronger efforts to engage men in family planning, especially in rural and religious communities, the nation risks deepening its cycle of poverty and strain.

As more Nigerian men begin to embrace the idea that fewer, well-spaced children mean healthier families and brighter futures, there’s hope that the tide may gradually turn.

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