80th UNGA: Nigeria Calls For Increased Global Investment In NCDs And Mental Health

New York, September 27, 2025

At the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the Federal Government of Nigeria made a compelling call for stronger international commitment and investment to address the global burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and to promote mental health and well-being.

Delivering Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, outlined Nigeria’s significant strides in combatting NCDs. He emphasized the urgency of bridging the global funding gap in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of NCDs, as well as the critical need for mental health systems strengthening.
Dr. Salako highlighted several milestones Nigeria has achieved, including the development of a National NCD Policy, the implementation of a Multisectoral Action Plan, and the enactment of legislation targeting key risk factors such as tobacco use and unhealthy diets. He also pointed to the country’s investments in strengthening primary health care systems, expanding health insurance coverage, and running public awareness campaigns to improve health outcomes at the community level.
A key highlight of his address was Nigeria’s recent success in the fight against cervical cancer. Dr. Salako announced that over 14 million adolescent girls—representing approximately 96% of the target population—have been vaccinated against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer. He also noted the establishment of six cancer centres of excellence, aimed at improving access to quality cancer care and treatment across the country.
While commending global efforts so far, Dr. Salako urged the international community to scale up investments, foster collaboration, and share best practices to ensure no country is left behind in the fight against NCDs and mental health challenges.

“With global solidarity, the sharing of best practices, and renewed investments,” he said, “countries around the world can collectively reduce premature mortality from NCDs by 2030 and advance mental health and well-being for all.”

Nigeria’s address comes at a pivotal time as world leaders gather in New York to review progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3.4, which aims to reduce by one-third premature mortality from NCDs and promote mental health and well-being by 2030.