Weekenders Magazine Publisher Calls for Urgent Scientific Investigation to Protect Women and Girls
By Chioma Vivian James
The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Weekenders Magazine, Princess Joy Omagha Idam, has called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to urgently investigate claims that some sanitary pads may contain chemicals capable of posing health risks to women and girls.
Princess Idam said the allegations should not be dismissed as mere speculation, particularly given the millions of Nigerian women and girls who rely on sanitary pads as essential menstrual hygiene products every month.
She urged the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, to initiate an independent and scientifically rigorous assessment of sanitary pads currently available in the Nigerian market to establish the facts and determine whether any products contain substances that could compromise users’ health.
According to her, the responsibility for protecting consumers requires regulatory authorities to respond promptly whenever credible concerns are raised about products widely used by the public.
“This is not about creating fear or attacking manufacturers. It is about protecting Nigerian women and girls and giving the public accurate information. NAFDAC must verify these claims and tell Nigerians the truth,” Princess Idam said.
She stressed that a transparent investigation would help distinguish scientifically established facts from rumours, misinformation or unverified claims that could unnecessarily alarm consumers.
Princess Idam who also doubles as Women and Girl-child Rights Advocate further called on NAFDAC to make the findings of any laboratory examination public and, where violations of established safety standards are identified, take appropriate regulatory measures in accordance with the law.
She also appealed to manufacturers and importers of sanitary products to cooperate fully with any investigation undertaken by the regulatory agency, noting that consumer safety must remain paramount in the production, distribution and marketing of menstrual hygiene products.
The Weekenders Magazine publisher said women and families have a right to confidence in the safety of products used regularly, particularly products that come into prolonged contact with sensitive areas of the body.
She maintained that an evidence-based response from NAFDAC would not only provide reassurance where products are found to be safe, but would also ensure that necessary action is taken where genuine risks are established.
Princess Idam therefore urged the regulatory agency to treat the matter with urgency and communicate its findings clearly to the Nigerian public.
She said Nigerians deserve authoritative scientific information rather than speculation, adding that protecting women’s health requires vigilance, transparency and effective regulation.
