Experts Urge Government to Address Workplace Stress Through Policy Interventions

In a world where increasing workplace pressure, insecurity, economic instability, and social upheavals threaten the mental health and productivity of Nigerians, the Nigerian government has been urged to recognise the urgent need for structured, scientific, and policy-driven interventions to combat stress.

The Convener and Founder of the Institute of Stress Management, Dr Frederick Abuchi Obidigwe, made this call at a groundbreaking ceremony for the institute in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Dr Obidigwe noted that the effects of stress extend beyond its harmful impact on individuals’ health, affecting their overall service delivery and productivity.

He added that “More than sixty to seventy per cent of civil servants are not happy in their place of work, which in turn affects productivity.”

“Motivating individuals is very essential in terms of workplace conditions, financial stability, and take-home pay. If individuals are treated the way they should be, they will begin to reorient their minds towards being positive about their place of work”

“For you to get more from them, you have to do something for them—I mean, package well, and you expect well.”

Dr Obidigwe emphasised that a healthy workforce, security sector, and governance system require psychologically stable and stress-free individuals.

“Our mandate is to establish health and training centres dedicated to stress management, educate individuals and organisations on stress-related risks and mitigation strategies, conduct workshops, seminars, conferences, and advocacy programmes to advance the science of stress management, train Nigerians on lifestyle adjustments that promote a healthy and productive life, and provide professional certifications in stress management to equip practitioners with essential skills.”

Representing the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande highlighted that Nigerians frequently experience stress due to economic, political, and social challenges, reinforcing the need for the institute’s establishment.

“We are here to collaborate with the institute from the Ministry of Youth Development. Because of the essential nature of this function, the Minister has asked that I extend his support and level of collaboration to the organisers.”

He further stated that there could be a national programme in collaboration with the institute and other major stakeholders to mark World Stress-Free Day, celebrated globally on the first Wednesday of November each year.

The Governor of Katsina State, represented by his Commissioner for Housing and Transport, Engr. Sani Magaji Ingawa, noted that the state government is committed to ensuring optimal performance among public servants.

“Since His Excellency came on board, he has upgraded many health facilities and even built a dialysis centre with a lot of machines to cater for diseases that arise due to prolonged stress,” he said.

Engr Ingawa added that the construction of various infrastructure projects remains a top priority for the government, as they directly or indirectly impact public servants’ performance.

The guest speaker, Deputy Director in charge of the SERVICOM unit at the Legal Aid Council, Prof Mariam Omerun Ibrahim, advised individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles by avoiding unhealthy competition and living within their means.

“Stress is an integral part of us. In all our activities, stress must be expected, but the issue is how you control it. Stress is not treatable; it is something you live with daily, but it is manageable.”

She urged the government and the organised private sector to collaborate with the Institute of Stress Management and enrol their staff in stress management training programmes.

The event’s highlights included the induction of new members as Chartered Fellows of the institute, who will serve as Patrons and Grand Patrons.