Priced out of care: How inflation deepens health inequities among LBQ+ women in Nigeria

In May 2025, Reuters reported a slight decrease in Nigerian inflation, from 24.23% to 23.71%. But this has not ended poverty for many Nigerians. LBQ+ women suffer most, facing exclusion for both their gender and sexuality. In 2023, the dollar-to-naira rate was pegged at 900 naira; today, it fluctuates between 1,500 and 1,600 naira. Basic amenities have more than doubled in cost compared to the last administration. Queer women by identity are caught at the intersection of patriarchy and homophobia. The survey data to be explored below indicate that inflation has made life more difficult for LBQ+ women in Nigeria. Many people now struggle to afford healthcare - from STI prevention to cervical screening and other essentials. 

I conducted research with twelve lesbian, bisexual, queer, and plus (LBQ+) women of different ages. The aim was to learn how they access healthcare in Nigeria after the funding cuts. The women who took part in this research were between 21 and 27 years old. Most were on the older side: just over 40% were 27, and one in four were 26. The rest were spread out across the younger ages — 21, 22, 24, and 25 — with one woman in each group.
 

Understanding perspectives from activists

Olamilekan Olajubu is a media officer with The Rainbow Alive Hub Initiative (TRAHI). He says inflation has hit queer women the hardest. Many are already stigmatised and shut out of care. They now struggle even more to get proper health services. ​​TRAHI’s emergency fund data shows that most women put jobs, food, and housing first, while healthcare comes last. 'This means healthcare has become a second priority for most of these women,' he explained. He added that the USAID funding cuts have resulted in long wait times for healthcare. Many women now use a big part of their monthly income just for transport. This leaves them with little money for other needs.

Olaide says inflation has made it much harder for women to get contraceptives. It is also still hard for women to get abortion services. "In many cases, they can't afford treatment for common illnesses. Diseases like malaria and typhoid go untreated because of the costs." LBQ+ women are also caregivers or mothers. "While ISHRAI works hard to provide sexual health and rights services. Funding cuts, however, have forced them to scale back and pause some programs. They now focus more on providing safe shelter, mental health support, and legal aid. Olaide works at the Improved Sexual Health and Rights Initiative (ISHRAI). He is the is the legal representative and project coordinator. 

The chart above illustrates the impact of rising inflation on LBQ+ women. As Olaide noted, funding cuts have halted their sexual and reproductive health services. They plan to partner with queer-friendly organisations to restart these programs. After the USAID funding cuts, LBQ+ women can no longer rely only on a few queer-focused groups. They need wider partnerships across Nigeria to be able to thrive. Masculine-presenting LBQ+ women face the biggest barriers. When LBQ+ women seek services outside queer organisations, they often face greater challenges. Policy reforms by the Nigerian government could help reduce the burden of low income. These reforms could make healthcare more accessible for LBQ+ women. 

Most LBQ+ women interviewed said they find it hardest to access mental health support. They also struggle to get general medical care. Even when some organisations offer support, many women are cautious. Sharing their struggles could risk exposing them.

A 2024 Nairametrics report shows the cost of common lab tests has risen sharply. In Nigeria, healthcare costs are rising fast. This is making it harder for LBQ+ women to access essential services. Common lab tests, for example, have become significantly more expensive. 

With the minimum wage at just 70,000 naira ($46), many Nigerians earn less than they need to cover basic healthcare. In fact, 37% of people earn under 100,000 naira ($65) a month. This makes seeking healthcare even more difficult, especially amid rising prices.

In the survey, many women were asked: "Aside from money, what other challenges do you face in accessing inclusive healthcare as an LBQ+ woman in Nigeria?". Most respondents cited discrimination, stigma, trust, absence of inclusive healthcare, and homophobia.  

Olamilekan said TRAHI Nigeria is leading advocacy by giving queer people skills they can use to make money. These include copywriting, social media management, photography, and candle-making. Additionally, they are equipped to write CVs and cover letters. The goal is to help queer individuals earn extra income. TRAHI also understands the challenges faced by LBQ+ women in Nigeria. They provide emergency funds to help cover basic needs during crises. Like Olaide, Olamilekan said partnerships with government and private institutions are essential. These partnerships will help to restore queer-focused sexual and reproductive health services. 

The survey data show that most LBQ+ women have not sought alternative healthcare. This may be because of discrimination. In Nigeria, LGBTQ+ individuals face both social and legal exclusions. Masculine-presenting LBQ+ women face discrimination because of their appearance. This leaves them with few options for inclusive care. Most Nigerian healthcare funds do not prioritize inclusivity. They support general hospitals and assume universal access. Olaide and Olamilekan say LBQ+ women can only get these services through their organisations. Strong partnerships are essential to make this possible. Adequate funding for queer health is essential. 

Final thoughts

The USAID funding cut has hit LBQ+ people in Nigeria hard. Access to sexual and reproductive health services has dropped. Abortion is still illegal in Nigeria and is only permitted to save women's lives. At the same time, life is becoming more expensive while salaries are the same.

As a queer person who works with NGOs on a volunteer basis, there is a greater need for collaboration and seeking alternative funding sources to cater to LBQ+ women. NGOs provide safe spaces for these individuals to address their health needs without judgment, so they are more likely to seek them in comparison to public health organisations. In addition to external donations, community “pool funds” from the wealthy can significantly help these women thrive.

●       LBQ+ women refer to lesbian, bisexual, queer, and “plus” who identify as women.