The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: Federal Government

  • Shettima Returns To Nigeria After Representing Tinubu At UNGA

    Shettima Returns To Nigeria After Representing Tinubu At UNGA

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after leading the country’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.

    Shettima arrived in Abuja on Monday after spending several days in the US, where he represented President Bola Tinubu at the annual gathering of world leaders.

    The Vice President had departed Nigeria on September 20 following Tinubu’s directive to lead the Nigerian delegation to the UNGA.

    During the visit, Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the General Debate on behalf of the President.

    According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Nigeria used the gathering to renew its call for reforms to the United Nations Security Council.

    The Federal Government also advocated permanent African representation on the Security Council, improved access to global financing, increased climate support and stronger international cooperation.

    At the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, the Nigerian delegation called on African countries to move beyond exporting raw minerals by investing in processing, manufacturing and other forms of value addition.

    Shettima also participated in a high-level education financing event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy, where he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving education.

    The Vice President expressed support for the Global Partnership for Education’s $5bn financing campaign and described education as a key investment in productivity, human capital development and national prosperity.

    During his stay in New York, Shettima also met with members of the Nigerian diaspora and highlighted the role of their investments, expertise and international networks in supporting Nigeria’s development.

    The Vice President held additional meetings with the new leadership of the Economic Community of West African States Commission and the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed.

    According to the statement, the engagements covered areas including development financing, regional integration, economic cooperation, technology, peace and security.

    Shettima’s return marks the end of his assignment as Nigeria’s representative at the 81st UN General Assembly on behalf of President Tinubu.

  • FG Seeks Fresh $1.5bn World Bank Loans As Public Debt Hits N166.79tn

    FG Seeks Fresh $1.5bn World Bank Loans As Public Debt Hits N166.79tn

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government is seeking $1.5bn in fresh financing from the World Bank as Nigeria’s total public debt rose to a record N166.79tn at the end of June 2026.

    Documents from the World Bank indicate that the proposed borrowing consists of three separate $500m facilities targeting climate resilience, social protection and early childhood development.

    The first facility is an additional $500m for the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes project, known as ACReSAL.

    The World Bank is expected to consider the facility on October 29, 2026. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as the borrower, while the Federal Ministry of Environment will implement the project.

    If approved, the additional financing will increase ACReSAL’s total funding from $700m to $1.2bn, with the new facility to be provided through the International Development Association, the World Bank’s concessional lending arm.

    According to the World Bank, the additional funds will be used to expand the project’s results and strengthen arrangements for sustainable landscape management.

    The proposed interventions include land restoration, watershed rehabilitation, erosion and flood control, irrigation and drainage, water harvesting and storage, reforestation and other climate adaptation measures.

    Of the $500m, $310m is earmarked for dryland management, $165m for community climate resilience and $25m for institutional strengthening and project management.

    ACReSAL currently operates in 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, focusing on land degradation, water insecurity, climate vulnerability and declining agricultural productivity.

    The World Bank estimates that desertification and land degradation affect about 43 per cent of Nigeria’s land area. It also projects that climate change could reduce the country’s gross domestic product by about 2.6 per cent annually by 2030 and as much as 6.7 per cent by 2050 if not adequately addressed.

    ### $500m Social Protection Loan

    The second proposed facility is a $500m IDA credit for the Household Prosperity and Empowerment-Social Protection Project.

    The project is still under preparation, with a technical design review scheduled for October 30, 2026. The World Bank has tentatively set March 16, 2027, for consideration of the project.

    The Federal Ministry of Finance is listed as the borrower, while the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction will implement the programme.

    The project comprises a $420m results-based financing component and an $80m investment project financing component.

    It is designed to establish regular social assistance for poor and vulnerable households while gradually increasing the contribution of federal and state governments to social protection financing.

    The proposed programme will include targeted conditional and unconditional cash transfers, an upgrade of the social registry, integration of the National Identification Number into the social protection information system and stronger implementation at federal, state and local government levels.

    The World Bank said Nigeria spent only 0.14 per cent of its GDP on social safety-net programmes in 2021, compared with a global average of 1.5 per cent and 1.2 per cent among lower-middle-income countries.

    The lender also estimated that the proportion of Nigerians living in poverty rose from 40 per cent in 2019 to 56 per cent in 2023 and could reach 62.5 per cent in 2026.

    It attributed the deterioration to factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, natural disasters and conflict, while noting that the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms increased living costs in the short term.

    ### Third Loan Targets Early Childhood Development

    The third proposed $500m loan is for the Nigeria Early Childhood Development Programme.

    The project is expected to undergo technical design review on October 30, 2026, with tentative approval scheduled for March 15, 2027.

    The Federal Ministry of Finance will serve as the borrower, while the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is expected to implement the programme.

    The project will cover all 36 states and the FCT and focus on improving access to healthcare, nutrition, early learning, childcare, water and sanitation and other essential services for children aged zero to five.

    The proposed financing consists of a $400m programme-for-results component and $100m in investment project financing.

    The World Bank said the programme was necessary because 40 per cent of Nigerian children under five are stunted, fewer than half are developmentally on track and only 36 per cent of children aged 36 to 59 months attend organised early learning.

    ### Public Debt Rises By N14.39tn

    The proposed borrowing comes amid a sharp increase in Nigeria’s public debt.

    According to the Debt Management Office, the country’s total public debt rose from N152.40tn in June 2025 to N166.79tn in June 2026.

    The N14.39tn increase represents a 9.44 per cent rise within one year.

    In dollar terms, total public debt increased from $99.66bn to $120.93bn, representing a $21.27bn or 21.35 per cent increase.

    The difference between the naira and dollar growth rates was partly linked to the exchange rate used to value Nigeria’s external debt. The DMO used an exchange rate of N1,379.1842 to the dollar in June 2026, compared with N1,529.2105 in June 2025.

    On a quarterly basis, public debt increased from N159.35tn in March 2026 to N166.79tn in June, representing a rise of N7.44tn or 4.67 per cent.

    Domestic debt accounted for the larger share of the portfolio at N91.59tn, or 54.91 per cent, while external debt stood at N75.20tn, representing 45.09 per cent.

    Domestic debt increased from N80.55tn in June 2025 to N91.59tn in June 2026, while external debt rose from N71.85tn to N75.20tn over the same period.

    ### Treasury Bills Drive Domestic Borrowing

    Federal Government domestic debt increased from N76.59tn in June 2025 to N87tn in June 2026.

    Federal Government bonds remained the largest component at N64.84tn, representing 74.53 per cent of domestic debt.

    However, Treasury bills recorded a significant increase during the period.

    Outstanding Nigerian Treasury Bills rose from N12.76tn in June 2025 to N19.48tn in June 2026, representing a N6.72tn or 52.64 per cent increase.

    Their share of Federal Government domestic debt consequently increased from 16.67 per cent to 22.39 per cent.

    Between March and June 2026, Treasury bills increased by N2.92tn, or 17.60 per cent, from N16.57tn to N19.48tn.

    Meanwhile, the securitised Ways and Means balance declined from N22.72tn in March to N22.11tn in June.

    FGN Savings Bonds increased from N91.53bn to N122.45bn during the year, although they remained a small portion of the government’s domestic debt.

    ### World Bank Exposure Hits $20.73bn

    The DMO figures show that Nigeria’s outstanding debt to the World Bank Group stood at $20.73bn at the end of June 2026.

    The amount comprises $19.12bn owed to the International Development Association and $1.61bn owed to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

    The combined exposure increased by $1.34bn, or 6.93 per cent, from $19.39bn in June 2025.

    World Bank exposure also increased by $907.09m between March and June 2026.

    At $20.73bn, World Bank obligations accounted for about 38 per cent of Nigeria’s $54.52bn external debt at the end of June.

    Nigeria’s total multilateral external debt stood at $24.76bn, representing 45.42 per cent of the country’s external debt.

    The African Development Bank, African Development Fund, Islamic Development Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development were among Nigeria’s other multilateral creditors.

    Commercial creditors accounted for $23.16bn, or 42.47 per cent of external debt, with Eurobonds alone accounting for $18.55bn.

    Bilateral debt stood at $6.61bn, representing 12.12 per cent of external obligations. China remained Nigeria’s largest bilateral creditor.

    The proposed World Bank facilities would therefore further increase Nigeria’s borrowing from the multilateral institution if approved and subsequently disbursed.

    ### Atiku Demands Debt Reconciliation

    The latest debt figures have also drawn criticism from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who called for a reconciliation of Nigeria’s public debt.

    In a statement issued by his Director of Strategic Communications, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku asked the Federal Government to account for newly recorded debt, changes in the naira value of foreign obligations and loans contracted since the Tinubu administration came into office.

    He also questioned the cost of servicing the country’s growing debt burden and its implications for public spending.

    Meanwhile, economist Adewale Abimbola said borrowing from multilateral institutions such as the World Bank could support development when the financing was concessional and directed towards productive projects.

    He said the key issue was how borrowed funds were utilised rather than borrowing itself.

    According to him, loans tied to viable projects and capable of supporting economic growth could have a positive impact, provided they were properly managed.

  • FG Set To Launch African Global Festival In October

    FG Set To Launch African Global Festival In October

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government is set to launch the African Global Festival Nigeria, popularly known as AGLOFEST, in October 2026 as part of efforts to promote Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and expand economic and international partnerships.

    The Permanent Secretary, General Services Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Ibrahim Kana, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.

    Kana said President Bola Tinubu had approved the initiative, with the approval formally conveyed to the project’s partners.

    According to him, AGLOFEST will create an international platform for cultural exchange, investment and economic cooperation by bringing together government officials, investors, businesses, cultural organisations, creative industry practitioners, entrepreneurs and development partners.

    He said the festival would comprise three major events: the Black Diaspora Economic Forum, Black Diaspora Cultural Presentation, and the Renewed Global Hope and Peace Concert.

    Kana explained that the economic forum would provide opportunities for discussions and partnerships in trade, investment and business, while the cultural presentation would highlight Africa’s heritage and creative expressions.

    The peace concert, he added, would use music and entertainment to promote peace, unity and positive engagement among people across different parts of the world.

    The permanent secretary said AGLOFEST was being developed through a public-private partnership involving the Federal Government and other stakeholders.

    He noted that the Ministries of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; Trade, Investment and Industry; and Foreign Affairs would be among the government institutions involved in the initiative.

    Kana said the festival would also be used to showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage, tourism attractions, creative industries and investment opportunities to an international audience.

    He added that the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s links with other African countries and people of African descent across the world.

    The October launch is expected to form part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to use culture and the creative economy to deepen international relations, attract investment and expand economic cooperation.

  • FG Threatens To Shut Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Over Safety Violations

    FG Threatens To Shut Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Over Safety Violations

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government has warned that it may shut the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway if motorists and other road users fail to comply with safety regulations within the next two weeks.

    The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, issued the warning on Monday, citing persistent violations including speeding, illegal parking, unauthorised U-turns, motorcycle and tricycle use, roadside trading and other activities considered hazardous to road users and the highway infrastructure.

    Dare said the directive followed concerns raised by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, over continued disregard for safety measures on the highway.

    “In another two weeks, if there’s no improvement, His Excellency has directed that we are coming back to shut down the road,” Dare said.

    The Lagos portion of the coastal highway stretches for about 103 kilometres and is divided into two sections measuring approximately 47.474km and 56km.

    According to Dare, construction work is still ongoing on some parts of the route, particularly bridges. Ten major bridges are planned for each section of the Lagos axis.

    He explained that the highway was opened to traffic before the completion of all the bridge works, making strict adherence to the prescribed speed limit necessary.

    Dare said motorists had been observed driving at speeds as high as 120km/h on sections where construction activities were still taking place.

    “We have said your speed on the coastal road must not be more than 30 kilometres per hour,” he said.

    The controller also expressed concern over fatalities recorded along the highway, urging motorists to take the restrictions seriously.

    “Lives are being lost on the coastal road. Almost every other day,” he said.

    As part of efforts to strengthen enforcement, Dare said security would be increased along the route following discussions between Umahi and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani.

    He said trucks and other articulated vehicles found parked illegally along the highway would be towed, while motorists who make unauthorised U-turns could face enforcement action and prosecution.

    Dare disclosed that more than 100 commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as Okada, were arrested on the highway during the previous week.

    He reiterated that motorcycles and tricycles are prohibited from using the coastal highway.

    The Federal Government is also confronting vandalism targeting safety infrastructure along the route.

    Dare said about five kilometres of ClearVu fencing had been removed, while concrete covers over drainage channels spanning approximately 18 kilometres had also been vandalised.

    He said much of the vandalism occurred at night, prompting authorities to consider installing stronger barriers and CCTV cameras at vulnerable locations.

    The government is also preparing to remove illegal settlements and address hawking and animal grazing along the highway.

    According to Dare, at least 10 illegal settlements have been identified for removal.

    He added that approval had been given for the deployment of 40 coastal guards to the first section of the highway, with community representatives expected to work with the police in monitoring the route.

    The recruitment and deployment of the guards are expected to be completed within two weeks, he said.

    Dare also warned truck operators using the Gypsy Port area as an unofficial parking location, saying a joint task force would clear the area of illegally parked vehicles.

    He said the first section of the highway had been completed, although bridge construction was still underway, adding that the wider project remained within its three-year contractual period.

    The controller urged motorists, traders and other road users to comply with the government’s directives as enforcement activities are intensified.

    “It’s not going to be business as usual,” Dare said.

    The Federal Government said continued violations could ultimately result in the closure of the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

  • Unity Colleges Face Disruption as Workers Reject FG’s Resumption Order

    Unity Colleges Face Disruption as Workers Reject FG’s Resumption Order

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The reopening of 112 Federal Unity Colleges across Nigeria is facing uncertainty as workers in the institutions move to enforce a “No Resumption” directive over the Federal Government’s planned concession of some schools.

    The dispute centres on the government’s proposed 35-year concession of King’s College, Lagos, to its Old Boys Association, a move that has drawn opposition from workers under the Federal Ministry of Education.

    About 17,000 education officers at the ministry’s headquarters and the affected unity colleges are expected to participate in the planned protest and industrial action, according to a source familiar with the development.

    The source said 112 of the 115 Federal Unity Colleges had complied with the workers’ directive, with only Federal Government College, Kwali; Federal Government College, Okposi; and Federal Government College, Otobi, admitting some students who had travelled long distances to resume.

    The Joint Workers Committee of Unions in the ministry had, at the weekend, directed workers in the colleges not to resume until further notice.

    In a notice dated September 11, 2026, and addressed to principals and union chairmen of the Federal Unity Colleges, the committee reaffirmed its earlier directive and instructed union leaders to ensure compliance.

    The JWC said any instruction by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, directing the schools to reopen would not change its position unless the matter was first resolved through the established labour-management process.

    The committee said, “any purported press release, counter directive, or subsequent communication” from the minister directing resumption would not alter its position unless the dispute was appropriately addressed through the labour-management channel.

    The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, which represents teachers and other workers in the affected institutions, also directed its members not to report for the weekend checking-in of boarding students.

    The directive was reportedly complied with across the affected colleges.

    The union also raised concerns over the availability of textbooks, questioning the preparedness of the schools for the new academic session.

    The notice was signed by JWC Chairman, Onuche Abraham; ASCSN Chairman, Ngadi Sampson; Nigeria Civil Service Union Chairman, Ojelabi Ademola; and Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, Ejike George.

    However, the Federal Government has maintained that the colleges will reopen as scheduled on Monday, September 14.

    The Minister of Education, through the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, assured students, parents and guardians that necessary arrangements had been made for a safe and orderly commencement of the new academic session.

    Alausa said the safety and wellbeing of students and staff remained a priority of the Federal Government.

    The minister added that relevant security agencies had been informed of the resumption plans and had placed the Federal Unity Colleges and their surrounding areas under heightened security surveillance.

    The government said the coordinated security arrangements were aimed at protecting students, staff and members of the school communities as academic activities resume nationwide.

  • FG Begins Payment of N18bn Severance Benefits to 2,700 Ex-Nigeria Airways Workers

    FG Begins Payment of N18bn Severance Benefits to 2,700 Ex-Nigeria Airways Workers

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government has commenced the payment of N18bn in outstanding severance benefits to 2,700 former employees of the defunct Nigeria Airways, more than 20 years after the airline was liquidated.

    The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja.

    Oyedele said 2,100 former workers covered by batches one to seven had received their payments, while another 600 beneficiaries in batches eight and nine had been cleared for payment.

    He said the payments amounted to N18bn in outstanding benefits owed to the 2,700 former employees.

    “For more than two decades, following the liquidation of Nigeria Airways, many former employees have waited for their outstanding severance benefits. Some have grown old waiting. Some have sadly passed away, leaving their families to pursue what was legitimately due to them,” Oyedele said.

    According to the minister, the payment followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to resolve the long-standing obligation.

    Oyedele acknowledged that the settlement could not make up for the lengthy delay but said the government had decided to address inherited obligations rather than allow them to remain unresolved.

    “We recognise that no payment today can fully compensate for more than two decades of waiting, but it is important that government confronts these long-standing obligations rather than allowing them to remain unresolved for another generation,” he said.

    The minister explained that the exercise was part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to clear verified inherited liabilities, including outstanding obligations to pensioners and indigenous contractors.

    He said beneficiaries of the Nigeria Airways payments underwent extensive verification, including biometric capture and validation of their personal and banking details, to guard against fraudulent claims.

    Oyedele added that further verification would be conducted in cases involving outdated records, incorrect bank details and deceased beneficiaries whose next of kin or estates still needed to complete the required procedures.

    On concerns over the impact of inflation on the value of the benefits after more than two decades, the minister said the government was paying the amounts contained in the documented and verified claims.

    He acknowledged that inflation had significantly eroded the value of the money but said the settlement did not provide for inflation adjustments.

    Oyedele explained that the payments were being made in batches to ensure that beneficiaries whose claims had been verified did not have to wait while other outstanding cases were being processed.

    He said the benefits covered former employees across different categories and were not limited to either junior or senior staff.

    For beneficiaries who had died before receiving their entitlements, the minister said payments would be made to their documented next of kin or other eligible beneficiaries after the necessary legal procedures were completed.

    Oyedele also disclosed that the Federal Government had settled outstanding debts owed to more than 12,000 indigenous contractors as part of efforts to reduce accumulated obligations.

    He said the government initially prioritised smaller contractors with verified claims of N50m or less before extending the exercise to contractors owed up to N100m.

    Larger claims running into billions of naira, he explained, could be handled separately through negotiations and instruments such as promissory notes.

    According to the minister, the approach was designed to support small businesses that depend on government payments to meet salary obligations and other immediate financial commitments.

    Oyedele warned contractors against paying commissions or offering inducements to government officials to facilitate the settlement of verified claims, describing such demands as illegal.

    He said the government was also taking steps to prevent the accumulation of fresh unpaid obligations by making budgets more realistic and ensuring that capital expenditure commitments had identifiable funding sources.

    “We will do our best to ensure that the accumulated obligations of the past do not repeat themselves,” the minister said.

    Oyedele apologised to the former Nigeria Airways workers for the prolonged delay in settling their entitlements, stressing that the payments were owed benefits and not favours from the government.

  • FG Moves to Remove Criminal Penalty for Attempted Suicide

    FG Moves to Remove Criminal Penalty for Attempted Suicide

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government has commenced steps to remove criminal penalties for attempted suicide following the approval of the decriminalisation proposal by the Federal Executive Council.

    The move is expected to pave the way for amendments to relevant provisions of the Penal Code and Criminal Code when the proposal is presented to the National Assembly.

    The development was disclosed in Abuja during an event organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to commemorate the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day.

    Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, represented at the event by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, said the FEC approval followed the work of the National Task Force on Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide.

    The task force has held consultations and policy engagements with government agencies, legal experts, mental health professionals, civil society organisations, development partners and people with lived experience.

    Salako described the proposed reform as both a public health and human rights measure, arguing that people experiencing mental health crises should receive care and support rather than face punishment.

    He expressed optimism that the legislative process would be completed without unnecessary delay.

    The minister also disclosed that the government was working to integrate mental health services into other areas of the healthcare system.

    According to him, Standard Operating Procedures for integrating mental health services into HIV care are being developed, while the National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme has been directed to prepare a memorandum on incorporating mental health services into primary healthcare for consideration by the National Council on Health.

    He said the move would help bring mental health services closer to Nigerians, particularly people who lack access to specialised psychiatric facilities.

    However, stakeholders at the event cautioned that decriminalising attempted suicide alone would not resolve the country’s suicide crisis.

    A representative of the Nigeria Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, Prof. Taiwo Lateef Sheik, said criminalisation was only one aspect of the challenge and called for a comprehensive national response.

    Sheik advocated improved collection of suicide and suicidal behaviour data, crisis intervention services, dedicated funding, specialised training for healthcare workers and first responders, as well as full implementation of the National Mental Health Act 2021.

    He said Nigeria had set a target of reducing suicide deaths and attempts by 50 per cent by 2030, adding that legislative reform alone would not be sufficient to achieve the goal.

    Sheik estimated annual suicide deaths in Nigeria at about 16,000 and described the situation as a major public health crisis.

    The President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Dr Veronica Oluyemisi Nyamali, also raised concerns over the country’s shrinking mental health workforce.

    Nyamali said professionals were leaving the country, while some medical residents were abandoning psychiatric training.

    She noted that decriminalisation could encourage people experiencing psychological distress to seek help without fear of prosecution, but stressed the need for government to ensure that adequate mental health services were available.

    An official of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Juan Carlos, called for greater attention to people affected by conflict and violence.

    He noted that distance, insecurity and the cost of healthcare often prevent vulnerable populations from accessing mental health services.

    Civil society organisations also urged the government to address the social and economic conditions that can contribute to suicidal behaviour, rather than focusing solely on treatment.

    Speaking on behalf of people living with HIV in Nigeria, Isah Takuma called for mental health interventions to become an integral part of HIV services.

    He urged the government to fully integrate mental health support into HIV programmes as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery.

    The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said its suicide prevention efforts were guided by the National Mental Health Act 2021, National Mental Health Policy 2023 and National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023 to 2030.

    The 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day was marked with the theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” alongside the call to action, “Start the Conversation.”

    The campaign seeks to shift public discussions on suicide away from stigma, fear and misinformation towards compassion, understanding and timely access to support.

    The ministry said its broader objective was to build a society where people experiencing emotional or psychological distress could seek assistance without fear of criminal sanctions, discrimination or stigma.