Stakeholders across government, civil society, security agencies, and the education sector have called for stronger enforcement of anti-bullying policies, early intervention strategies, and expanded youth empowerment programmes to address the rising incidence of bullying in Nigerian schools.
The call was made on Friday in Abuja during a Stakeholder Consultative Dialogue on Anti-Bullying in Schools convened by International Alert Nigeria. Participants warned that bullying is increasingly contributing to mental health challenges and wider social risks among young people.
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Marwa, linked persistent bullying to heightened risks of substance abuse among youths. Represented by Henrietta HoldGod of the agency’s Counselling and Psychosocial Support Unit, he noted that victims often experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal.
He cautioned that some affected students may resort to drug use as a coping mechanism, stressing that efforts to curb bullying align with the agency’s preventive mandate. “Protecting children from bullying also means protecting them from pathways that may lead to drug abuse and other harmful behaviours,” he said.
Similarly, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Binta Bello, described bullying as a violation of human rights requiring collective action. Represented by Director Rebecca Enwusoyere, she advocated zero-tolerance policies in schools, stronger parental involvement, and sustained community advocacy.
She also emphasised the need to equip students with the skills to identify, resist, and report bullying, highlighting the importance of awareness campaigns, peer education, and safe reporting channels.
Experts at the forum raised concerns over the growing mental health burden associated with bullying. Dr. Margaret Ebubedike, a Senior Research Fellow in International Education and Development at the Open University, said the problem has worsened in the post-COVID-19 period, negatively affecting students’ wellbeing and academic performance.
Citing regional data, she noted that between 27 and 50 percent of children in Sub-Saharan Africa experience bullying, adding that Nigeria’s situation may be more severe, with over half of secondary school students reportedly affected.
The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi, warned that unresolved bullying cases could escalate into broader security concerns. Represented by CSC Adeoye Adegoke, he called for early reporting systems and coordinated institutional responses.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to addressing the issue through the National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Schools. Representing the Federal Ministry of Youth Development Nigeria, Mrs. Augustine Udo urged stakeholders to move beyond policy discussions to effective implementation, including improved reporting mechanisms and fostering empathy among students and educators.
The Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria also confirmed that implementation guidelines and a dedicated committee have been established to ensure nationwide rollout of anti-bullying measures.
Behavioural Change Communication expert, Ms. Ayotola Ilori, said available data indicate that about 32 percent of Nigerians aged 12 to 17 experience bullying, while up to 85 percent are either victims, perpetrators, or both. She welcomed the 2025 National Anti-Bullying Policy but stressed that effective, system-wide implementation across all 774 local government areas is critical.
In his remarks, Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Udo, said the dialogue was prompted by growing concerns over recent bullying incidents, including a widely reported case in Edo State. Represented by Programme Manager Sunday Jimoh, he said the initiative aimed to shift focus from awareness to practical solutions.
He added that the organisation is supporting schools to establish Youth Peace Clubs to train students in conflict resolution and raise awareness on the psychological impact of bullying, alongside developing safe reporting systems for early intervention.
Participants at the dialogue said a communiqué and policy roadmap would be developed to guide future advocacy and strengthen nationwide anti-bullying interventions.
