Nigeria’s Mental Health Crisis Needs More Than Suicide Awareness

Nigeria’s mental health system remains severely overstretched. The World Health Organization estimates that conflict and insecurity have displaced more than 3.2 million people, many of whom need mental health and psychosocial support. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association estimates that about 300 psychiatrists serve a population of over 200 million people. In Borno State, thousands of people have received specialist mental health care and psychosocial support, largely through donor and NGO-backed programmes. However, the need remains far greater than available services. The WHO Africa Regional Office also reports that fewer than 3% of Nigerians living with mental health conditions have adequate coverage. The National Mental Health Act of 2023 replaced the colonial-era Lunacy Act, but suicide is still criminalised. A proposed amendment approved by the Federal Executive Council in August 2026 would remove that provision if enacted. Nigeria also needs stronger funding, mental health services in primary healthcare centres, more trained professionals and reliable national data to support people before a crisis becomes fatal.

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