Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and CEO of Nordica Fertility Centre, raised a growing concern over male infertility at the centre’s 13th‑anniversary celebration in Abuja. He highlighted a significant decline in sperm count among Nigerian men, attributing it to lifestyle factors, substance use, and ignorance. A decade‑long study conducted from 2003 to 2013 showed a 30 percent drop in sperm count, and more recent assessments reveal that about 12 percent of men presenting at the clinic have no sperm at all (azoospermia), while nearly 50 percent have a low sperm count.
Dr. Ajayi linked the rise in male infertility to harmful environmental exposures, such as heavy metals from mining activities, and warned that many young men use muscle‑enhancing or performance‑boosting drugs without realizing the damage to their fertility. He expressed concern over the general lack of awareness about reproductive health, noting that preventive health receives little attention in Nigeria, with weight loss being the only health topic that garners significant interest. He emphasized the need for early education on reproductive wellbeing, especially among young men, to combat this emerging crisis.
In a related discussion, fertility expert Dr. Jesse Atongo underscored the importance of the genetic quality of eggs and sperm for successful in‑vitro fertilisation (IVF). He explained that a woman’s egg quality begins to decline from age 35 and drops sharply after 40, recommending egg preservation before 35. He also highlighted regular sexual activity as a means to maintain sperm quality.
Nordica Fertility Centre, with branches in Lagos, Abuja, and Asaba, has recorded over 5,000 births since its inception. The centre plans to expand by opening a new world‑class hospital in Lagos and additional facilities in other states, integrating healthcare with hospitality. As Dr. Ajayi remarked, “Healthcare in Nigeria is still at its infancy, and I believe Nigerians themselves must drive the change.” The centre’s initiatives to address male infertility and provide quality fertility services represent a positive step forward.
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