Crisis Help: Nigeria
If you’re in crisis right now, you’re not alone. Help is available, free,
and confidential.
⚠️ Content note: This page discusses suicide, abuse, self-harm, and violence.
If this is overwhelming right now, you can just call the number below. You don’t have
to read everything.
🚨 RIGHT NOW: Call This Number
Lifeline Nigeria
Phone: +234-809-063-0000 (24/7)
Mobile: Available on all networks
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 24/7, 365 days a year
Cost: Free
Languages: English, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa
What happens:
- 24/7 emotional support
- Suicide prevention
- Trained counselors
- Confidential and judgment-free
Other Crisis Options (Choose What Works for You)
Mental Health Crisis
Lifeline Nigeria: +234-809-063-0000 (24/7)
- Emotional support for any crisis
SERAP (Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project): 01-493-0000
- Human rights advocacy (can help with institutional abuse)
Suicidal Thoughts
Lifeline Nigeria: +234-809-063-0000 (24/7)
- Suicide prevention and support
Mental Health Foundation: Lagos office
Abuse or Violence
Domestic Violence:
- National Human Rights Commission: 0803-400-9999
- Local police family unit
- Women organizations in your state
Sexual Abuse:
- Mirabel Centre (Lagos): 01-493-5633
- SERAP: 01-493-0000
- Local hospital
Child Abuse:
- National Child Rights Commission: 0800-000-8888
- Local social services
Youth Crisis
Lifeline Nigeria: +234-809-063-0000 (24/7)
Youth-focused NGOs: Search in your state
LGBTQ+ Crisis
Lifeline Nigeria: +234-809-063-0000
- Support for LGBTQ+ people (confidential)
Note: Same-sex relationships are illegal in Nigeria. Crisis services provide confidential support.
Disability-Specific Crisis Support
Disability Rights Foundation Nigeria: 01-413-8081
- Support and advocacy for disabled people
National Association of the Physically Disabled: Search local chapter
Substance Use Crisis
Lifeline Nigeria: +234-809-063-0000
- Substance use information and support
NARC (Narcotics Anonymous): Local meetings
By Region
National numbers work nationwide. Major cities have additional resources:
Lagos
- Mirabel Centre (sexual assault): 01-493-5633
- Lifeline Nigeria: +234-809-063-0000
Abuja
- National Hospital: 09-413-2588
- Lifeline Nigeria: +234-809-063-0000
Kano, Kaduna, and Northern Nigeria
- Use national numbers
- Contact state mental health services
Other States
- Lifeline works nationwide
- Contact state health ministry
Emergency: Life-Threatening
Immediate life-threatening danger:
- Call 112 for emergency (nationwide)
- Call 911 (some areas)
- Go to nearest hospital/emergency
- Contact police (local precinct)
What to Say When You Call
You don’t need perfect words. Just say:
- “I’m in crisis”
- “I’m thinking about suicide”
- “I need to talk to someone”
Counselors are trained to help.
Accessibility & Contact Methods
For Those Without Phone Access
- SMS/Text: Some services available via text
- Email: [email protected]
- In-person: Some NGOs have physical offices
For Multiple Languages
- English (primary)
- Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa available
- Other local languages: Ask about support
Rural Areas
- Phone services available from anywhere with mobile network
- Some NGOs operate in rural areas
For Blind/Low Vision
- All services available by phone
- Some NGOs have offices in major cities
After You Call
Crisis lines help you get through RIGHT NOW. After that:
Finding Ongoing Support
Contact:
- Your nearest primary health center
- General hospital
- State mental health service
Mental health professionals:
- Nigerian Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba Lagos
- University teaching hospitals
- Private practitioners in major cities
Government support:
- State health ministry
- FIRS (social welfare)
Important Information
It’s Free
All services listed are completely free.
It’s Confidential
Confidential. Police only involved if immediate danger.
You Can Call Multiple Times
Many people use crisis services multiple times. That’s normal.
You’re Not “Sick Enough” to Call
If you’re asking: “Am I sick enough to call?” → You are. Call.
Safety for LGBTQ+ People
LGBTQ+ support is confidential. Your safety is protected.
Related Resources
- [[/crisis|Main Crisis Help Section]]
- [[Emergency Preparedness|Emergency Preparedness & Safety Planning]]
All numbers verified through official Nigerian sources
In crisis right now? Call +234-809-063-0000. Everything else can wait.
All services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
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Last updated: January 2026