UN 
In Lagos this week, the seasonal shift is evident as open-air markets bustle and school terms wind down, but for thousands of girls and women, access to safe, affordable menstrual products remains a pressing challenge. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, sees more than 40 million women of reproductive age routinely face high costs and limited availability of sanitary pads—products that, according to local health NGOs, can cost upwards of ₦800 ($0.50) per pack, representing a significant monthly expense for low-income families.
Against this backdrop, 17-year-old Fola Oduwole has introduced a biodegradable alternative made from agricultural byproducts like banana fiber and rice straw. Working with a small team in Ogun State, Oduwole’s project currently produces 1,000 pads per month, aiming to scale up tenfold by the end of 2026. These pads break down within six months after disposal, compared to conventional pads that contain up to 90% plastic and can linger in landfill for up to 500 years.
The innovation responds to a dual problem: Nigeria’s growing landfill crisis and the environmental impact of single-use plastics. According to the Lagos Waste Management Authority, disposable sanitary products contribute an estimated 150 tons of non-biodegradable waste citywide each month. Oduwole’s initiative is supported by the local women’s cooperative and has received a ₦2 million ($1,250) microgrant from the Green Growth Fund, an SDG-aligned program focused on waste-to-resource entrepreneurship.
For now, distribution is focused on secondary schools in Ogun and Lagos states, where teachers report improved student attendance during menstruation. Health advocates highlight that, while the pads meet basic absorbency standards, further clinical validation will be needed before the product can reach national scale or qualify for bulk procurement by public health agencies. Oduwole’s team expects to publish their first year of impact data by September 2026.
As Nigeria enters festival season and rural communities prepare for the first harvests, the project’s success is drawing attention to broader opportunities for circular economy solutions—especially those led by youth and women. Sustainability experts caution, however, that scaling local prototypes to national impact requires more than good intentions. Transparent data, public procurement reform, and clear waste management policy alignment will be essential if Nigeria is to meet its SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) targets by the close of this decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Fola Oduwole and what innovation has she introduced?
Fola Oduwole is a 17-year-old Nigerian innovator who has introduced biodegradable sanitary pads made from agricultural byproducts like banana fiber and rice straw.
How do Oduwole’s biodegradable pads compare to conventional sanitary pads in terms of environmental impact?
Oduwole’s pads break down within six months after disposal, whereas conventional pads can contain up to 90% plastic and persist in landfills for up to 500 years.
What is the current production capacity of the biodegradable sanitary pads project in Ogun State?
The project currently produces 1,000 pads per month, with plans to increase production tenfold by the end of 2026.
How is the initiative funded and who supports it?
The initiative is supported by a local women’s cooperative and has received a ₦2 million ($1,250) microgrant from the Green Growth Fund.
What challenges remain before the biodegradable pads can be distributed nationally in Nigeria?
Further clinical validation is needed before the product can reach national scale or qualify for bulk procurement by public health agencies.
