Hypertension remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, affecting an estimated 35–40 per cent of adults in 2025, according to the State of Health of the Nation Report 2025.

The report, released on Wednesday in Abuja and produced under the National Health Act (2014), shows that while high blood pressure remains widespread, awareness of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases improved compared with 2024. This progress is attributed to intensified advocacy by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, as well as professional health bodies.

Early detection efforts, including non-communicable disease (NCD) screenings at select primary healthcare facilities and community outreach programmes, have increased, particularly among men aged 15 to 59. The ministry’s Family Health Department has also integrated men’s health more deliberately into national health services to address specific male health risks.

The report highlights the rising burden of mental health and substance abuse disorders among men, with an estimated 14 million Nigerians having a history of drug use. Government-led prevention campaigns, in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, were intensified in 2025 to boost public awareness and early intervention.

Mental health integration into primary healthcare is gaining momentum, with over 3,000 primary healthcare workers trained nationwide to identify common conditions and improve referral systems.

Despite these gains, the report notes persistent gaps in early diagnosis, service utilisation, and screening coverage, particularly for NCDs among men. It emphasizes the need for continued investment in primary healthcare, health promotion, and preventive care to reduce Nigeria’s growing burden of hypertension and related diseases.

The State of Health of the Nation Report provides an annual assessment of the country’s health sector performance, spotlighting achievements, challenges, and priority actions across key health programmes nationwide.