Federal Government Urges Nigerians To Seek Help On World Suicide Prevention Day

Nigeria joined the global community on Wednesday to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare urging citizens to prioritise mental well-being and reject stigma around mental illness.

The ministry used the occasion to remind Nigerians that life is valuable and that help is available for those struggling. It called on citizens to look out for one another, stressing the importance of empathy, listening without judgment, and encouraging those in need to seek professional support.

World Suicide Prevention Day, first introduced in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the World Health Organisation, is observed annually to raise awareness about suicide as a preventable public health issue. The initiative encourages governments and communities to take action that saves lives and builds hope.

This year’s theme, Creating Hope Through Action, focuses on the impact of small but meaningful steps in providing encouragement and preventing suicide. Global partners, including the World Federation for Mental Health, continue to emphasise that suicide can be reduced through community involvement, professional care, and supportive policies.

Nigeria is taking steps to strengthen its mental health response. The National Mental Health Policy now integrates mental health services into primary healthcare, while the Mental Health Act, signed in 2023, has expanded protections for people with mental health conditions. Efforts are also ongoing to widen awareness campaigns and crisis support services across the country.

The government noted that families, communities, faith leaders, schools, and workplaces all play a vital role in prevention. It warned that stigma remains a major barrier, with many cases unreported despite thousands of lives lost every year.

Citizens were urged to show compassion, stay connected with friends and loved ones, and seek professional help when needed. By joining the global observance, Nigeria reinforced the message that no one should feel alone and that hope remains possible for everyone.