**Teenage Pregnancy Rates Soar in Nigeria, Concerns Rise** Nigeria is grappling with a growing social issue: teenage pregnancy. According to the 2025 State of Health of the Nation Report, northern states such as Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kaduna have recorded the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in recent times. The report, released in Abuja and produced under the National Health Act (2014), highlights the alarming trend and its associated health challenges. **Demographic Breakdown** The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2024 revealed sharp regional differences in teenage pregnancy rates. In Kebbi, 32 per cent of girls aged 15 to 19 have been pregnant, followed by Zamfara and Kaduna states at 30 per cent each. In contrast, Lagos and Edo states recorded a lower rate of about three per cent. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve adolescent reproductive health outcomes across the country. **Experts' Concerns** Experts are worried about the report's findings, citing the risks of maternal and child morbidity and mortality associated with teenage pregnancy. They also highlight the social challenges, including a spike in school dropout for adolescent girls. "Teenage pregnancy increases the risks of maternal and child morbidity and mortality, aside contributing to social challenges like a spike in school dropout for adolescent girls," said an expert. **Public Awareness and Education** The report suggests that public awareness and education can help check the trend. The findings show that pregnancy prevalence can decline with education. In fact, the report states that among girls with education beyond secondary school, the pregnancy rate is as low as four per cent, compared to 34 per cent among those with no schooling. The report emphasizes the need for investment-targeted adolescent-friendly services in primary healthcare, including family planning, HIV prevention, and sexually transmitted infection management. **Government Initiatives** The 2025 health sector-expanded adolescent-focused interventions aim to improve reproductive health outcomes and advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The initiative also seeks to strengthen primary healthcare services and community outreach programmes. By addressing the root causes of teenage pregnancy and providing accessible reproductive health services, the government hopes to mitigate the risks associated with this trend.