Hypertension affects up to 40% of Nigerian adults, report warns
Hypertension remains one of the most pressing public health concerns in Nigeria, affecting an estimated 35 to 40 per cent of adults in 2025, according to the State of Health
Hypertension remains one of the most pressing public health concerns in Nigeria, affecting an estimated 35 to 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, paints a mixed picture of the country’s fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs), highlighting modest progress in awareness and screening but warning that significant gaps persist in early diagnosis, service utilisation and preventive care.
Produced in line with the National Health Act (2014), the annual report provides a comprehensive assessment of Nigeria’s health sector performance, examining developments, challenges and priority actions across key health programmes and services nationwide. According to the report, although the prevalence of high blood pressure remains alarmingly high, public awareness of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases improved in 2025 compared with 2024. This progress was attributed to intensified advocacy campaigns led by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with professional health bodies.
Health authorities have in recent years stepped up efforts to promote routine blood pressure checks and educate Nigerians about the risks associated with untreated hypertension, including stroke, heart disease and kidney failure. The report noted that the integration of non-communicable disease screening into selected primary healthcare centres and community outreach programmes has also contributed to incremental gains in the early detection of hypertension and diabetes.
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These initiatives have been particularly impactful among men aged between 15 and 59, a demographic group often described by public health experts as having lower engagement with health services despite facing significant health risks. To address this gap, the Family Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has begun deliberately integrating men’s health considerations into national health programmes.
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According to the report, the strategy seeks to strengthen awareness, prevention and treatment of conditions that disproportionately affect men, including hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, mental health challenges and substance abuse. The document also drew attention to the growing burden of mental health and substance use disorders, particularly among men. It estimates that about 14 million Nigerians have a history of drug use, highlighting the scale of the challenge confronting public health authorities.
In response, government-led prevention campaigns and public education efforts were intensified in 2025. These initiatives were implemented in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other stakeholders to improve awareness, encourage early intervention and reduce substance abuse across communities. The report further noted progress in expanding access to mental health services through the primary healthcare system. More than 3,000 primary healthcare workers across the country have been trained to identify common mental health conditions and strengthen referral pathways for patients requiring specialised care. Health experts say integrating mental health into primary healthcare is critical for Nigeria, where stigma, limited specialist services and poor awareness often prevent many people from seeking timely treatment.
Despite these improvements, the report emphasised that major challenges remain in tackling hypertension and other non-communicable diseases. Screening coverage remains limited in many communities, while awareness does not always translate into sustained treatment or lifestyle changes. Many Nigerians living with hypertension remain undiagnosed, while others discontinue treatment due to cost, limited access to healthcare facilities or lack of consistent follow-up care.
The report therefore called for sustained investments in primary healthcare, health promotion and preventive services to reduce the burden of hypertension and related diseases. Strengthening early detection, expanding screening programmes and encouraging healthier lifestyles—including reduced salt intake, regular physical activity and routine medical checks—were identified as critical steps toward improving cardiovascular health nationwide. Ultimately, the State of Health of the Nation Report 2025 underscores the urgent need for coordinated action across government, healthcare providers and communities to address Nigeria’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases and safeguard the health of millions of citizens.
