The Federal Government has announced plans to strengthen primary healthcare centres (PHCs) to enable them to manage uncomplicated hypertension cases and refer severe complications to higher health facilities across the country.

Expressing concern over the rising burden of hypertension in Nigeria, the government warned that millions of Nigerians may be living with the condition unknowingly as cases of stroke, heart failure, kidney disease and sudden deaths continue to increase nationwide.

Speaking during activities marking the 2026 World Hypertension Day in Abuja, Head of Cardiovascular Diseases and Tobacco Control at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Malau Toma, decried widespread myths and misconceptions surrounding hypertension.

He noted that many Nigerians still attribute the condition to spiritual attacks instead of seeking proper medical attention. “Some people believe somebody is spiritually responsible for their hypertension, which is not true. People must understand that this condition can be prevented and controlled through proper medical care and healthy living,” he said.

Toma described hypertension as a “silent killer” that must be urgently addressed through regular blood pressure checks, healthier lifestyles and strict adherence to prescribed medications.

He warned Nigerians against discontinuing medications once their blood pressure appears stable, stressing that such actions often trigger life-threatening complications.

“Hypertension is a silent killer. Many people stop taking their drugs once their blood pressure becomes controlled, and that is dangerous. Once medication is abandoned, the blood pressure rebounds and complications such as stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and blindness can set in,” he warned.

Toma noted that sustained high blood pressure remains one of the leading causes of non-communicable diseases globally and urged Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise, reduced salt and fat intake, avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, as well as increased consumption of fruits and vegetables.

He added that the Federal Government has introduced policies, treatment guidelines and awareness campaigns aimed at improving the detection, prevention and management of hypertension nationwide.

Head of the Non-Communicable Disease Unit at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Sulaiman Lamurde, said the government had intensified efforts to bring hypertension screening and treatment closer to communities through revitalised PHCs.

Lamurde disclosed that thousands of health facilities across the country had been upgraded under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and World Bank-supported programmes to improve access to care.

“Our primary healthcare centres are now better equipped to manage uncomplicated hypertension cases. Awareness is increasing, but we still need Nigerians to use these facilities instead of relying on traditional remedies or prayer houses when serious symptoms develop,” he said.

He warned that delaying proper treatment often leaves health workers helpless once complications become severe. “We should stop sitting at home, visiting herbalists or relying solely on spiritual interventions while the disease worsens. Early diagnosis and treatment remain the best defence,” he added.

Lamurde further urged Nigerians above the age of 18 to check their blood pressure regularly, describing BP checks as the simplest and most effective way to detect hypertension before complications occur.

“Every adult should check their blood pressure regularly. For those above 50 or with a family history of hypertension, it should be done more frequently. A normal blood pressure should be below 140 over 90,” he explained.

He added that blood pressure checks are offered free in government health facilities nationwide.

Representatives of development partners and civil society organisations also called for increased funding and stronger government commitment to tackle hypertension and other non-communicable diseases.

Senior Technical Adviser, Hypertension Control at Resolve To Save Lives, Onyekachukwu Osabiku, said hypertension has become a growing public health emergency requiring the same level of intervention and funding given to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

“We want to see hypertension programmes treated with the same seriousness as HIV and malaria. We need sustainable funding for screening, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care,” he said.

Osabiku disclosed that the Nigerian Hypertension Control Initiative, supported by development partners, is already expanding across states with the backing of the Federal Ministry of Health. He urged Nigerians to prioritise routine blood pressure checks, noting that hypertension can be effectively controlled when detected early.