As Nigeria marked Father’s Day 2026, several fathers have raised concerns over worsening economic conditions and the silent mental health burden affecting men across the country.
Many said they are facing increasing financial pressure and emotional strain, worsened by societal expectations that men must remain primary providers, often without adequate support or recognition.
The fathers, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, called for stronger family support systems and greater national attention to men’s mental health challenges.
Father’s Day is celebrated globally on the third Sunday of June, and this year’s observance fell on June 21.
A mental health advocate, Ms Halima Layeni, said many Nigerian men are quietly struggling with depression, anxiety, and stress linked to economic hardship and social pressure.
Layeni, founder of the Life Abuse Foundation, noted that issues such as unemployment, low income, and unreported cases of domestic abuse against men are contributing to the crisis.
She called for the creation of a Federal Ministry of Men Affairs to address these challenges and provide structured support for men.
“The establishment of the Ministry of Men Affairs is of immense importance.
“The ministry will provide focused attention on men’s unique issues, improve health outcomes through targeted campaigns, and create economic opportunities that enhance stability and reduce poverty among men,” she said.
A civil servant, Mr Ferdinand Okoji, said many men suffer in silence due to expectations placed on them as providers for their families.
“Fathers toil day and night to ensure they put food on the table, take care of the family, provide, and make sure that everybody is happy.
“However, most women take it for granted.
“This comes with a lot of stress on men trying to meet daily obligations,” Okoji stated.
He added that instead of finding comfort at home after work-related stress, many men experience further emotional pressure.
“When these men come back home, instead of their wives calming the stress level the men have gone through, they put more fire.
“It is unfortunate, and the challenge continues as the economic situation of the country continues to batter men,” he told NAN.
Another father, 60-year-old Papa Ejima, blamed inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and migration trends for worsening fathers’ mental health.
He said many parents now fear being abandoned in old age as young Nigerians increasingly travel abroad in search of better opportunities.
Papa Ejima added that despite his daughter graduating years ago, she remains unemployed and frustrated by the harsh economy, often expressing plans to leave the country.
“So, the challenge now is, who will take care of me at old age if all of them decide to travel out of the country or out of my base in search of greener pastures?” he asked.
