Lagos Residents Cry Out Over 200 Percent Increase In Condoms Prices

 A cross section of some Lagos residents have raised an alarm over the rising cost of condoms, even as they noted that it will lead to unsafe sex and unintended pregnancies among citizens.

The residents on separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos, lamented the high cost of the product.

Some pharmacies have increased the prices of condoms by 50 to 200 per cent as compared to their prices in 2023.

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The Lagos residents told NAN that access to affordable contraceptives was critical in ensuring the health of both partners, protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and planning the desired pregnancy.

One of them, a banker identified as Felix Atuche, said the increasing price of condoms had made him resort to withdrawal methods, hoping it wouldn’t lead to pregnancy.

In his words:

“We got married two months ago, and my wife and I are currently undertaking our master’s degree, so pregnancy has to wait about two years. I usually use the Durex Fetherlite Elite condom because it heightens the feelings between partners, just like skin-to-skin.

“I used to buy the pack for N1,900, but now it goes for N2,500 to N3,500, depending on the pharmacy I buy from. The cost is getting unaffordable because of the many packs I need.

"I resorted to the withdrawal method, but my wife has been avoiding sex with me because she’s scared of getting pregnant,” he said.

In a similar vein, a busineswoman identified as Monisola Ajayi, said that she prioritised her sexual health by ensuring that she used female condoms during sexual intercourse.

In her words:

 “A few years ago, I contracted STIs from my husband. I got treated and forgave him, but the incident left a scar on my heart, so I always ensured I used a condom to protect myself. Female condoms are available but more expensive than male condoms. Ten pieces of Fc2 vaginal condom go for over N4,200 now, before it was around N2,000’’.

“If I don’t have a condom, then no show for Oga except he buys it for me. The hardship in the country is negatively affecting our sexual health,” she said.