Nigeria has aligned with global partners to mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2025, underscoring that tackling suicide requires urgent, collective responsibility.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said in a statement that suicide is preventable and that citizens must reject stigma and embrace empathy. “Your life matters, and hope is real,” the Ministry affirmed.
Since its establishment in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) with backing from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the day has been observed yearly to spotlight suicide as a public health challenge.
The Nigerian government noted that reforms are actively being implemented. The 2023 Mental Health Act now guarantees stronger legal protections and access to services, while the National Mental Health Policy integrates psychological support into the country’s primary healthcare framework.
Authorities said they are scaling up campaigns and crisis response services, as well as training health workers to identify and assist individuals in distress.
Community-based support remains central, with the Ministry calling on families, faith leaders, and organisations to play proactive roles. It stressed that suicide is often underreported due to stigma, which continues to fuel silence and suffering.
The 2025 theme, “Creating Hope Through Action,” underlines that small gestures of care can make a life-saving difference.
By participating in the commemoration, Nigeria reinforced its place in the international coalition working to combat suicide, spread awareness, and build a culture where mental health is taken seriously.
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