Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has blamed the Bola Tinubu-led government for the growing cases of mental health issues in Nigeria, attributing it to the worsening economic situation under the current administration.
In his message to mark World Mental Health Day, Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, highlighted the deepening economic crisis, marked by acute hunger, poverty, income inequalities, and other socio-political challenges, as key factors driving the mental health crisis in the country.
He noted that the economic hardships Nigerians are enduring have significantly contributed to the rise in mental health cases.
Obi cited data from the National Institute of Health, which estimates that between 40 to 60 million Nigerians suffer from various mental health ailments, with one in five Nigerians battling these issues.
According to Obi, suicide cases, often triggered by anxiety and depression, have been on the rise, further exacerbating the mental health situation in Nigeria. He stressed the urgent need for greater awareness and support for mental health, noting,
“Today, I join the Global Community in commemorating World Mental Health Day, on which we raise awareness of mental health issues while encouraging concerted efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues in our nation.”
Obi emphasized that mental health, despite its critical role in the overall well-being and productivity of the country, is not given the attention it deserves in Nigeria. He linked the ongoing economic struggles under the current government to the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders, adding,
“The worsening economic situation resulting from hunger, poverty, and income inequalities in the country, coupled with other socio-political issues affecting the nation, have continued to fuel a growing menace of mental health cases.”
He reiterated the grim reality by referencing the National Institute of Health’s report that about one in every five Nigerians faces mental health challenges.
“Suicide cases in the country, fueled by anxiety and depression, have remained on the increase. It is reported that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of suicide and depression in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Obi noted.
Obi also pointed out the alarming rise in drug abuse, which he says further worsens mental health issues in the country.
“According to reports, an estimated 14.3 million people aged between 15 and 64 years in Nigeria are addicted to drugs and substance abuse,” he said, adding that Nigeria is ranked the third most stressful country in the world, contributing to the rise in mental illnesses.
He urged the government to prioritize the health sector, stating that addressing mental health is key to national development.
Obi concluded by calling on Nigerians to seek medical attention when facing mental health challenges and encouraged the public to show compassion and support to those affected.
