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Labour Party’s Peter Obi says Nigeria’s worsening hardship is pushing citizens into mental distress.
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WHO report reveals 40 million Nigerians living with mental health conditions.
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Fewer than 300 psychiatrists available nationwide to handle growing cases.
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has raised concern that the current economic hardship in the country is negatively affecting the mental health of millions of Nigerians.
Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, described the situation as a “deepening mental health crisis,” noting that poverty, unemployment, and hunger have driven many citizens, especially youths, into hopelessness and criminality.
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He stated this on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle while commemorating World Mental Health Day, which is observed globally on October 10 every year.
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“As the world celebrates Mental Health Day this weekend, it is troubling to note that a nation like Nigeria has deepening mental health crises which, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), affect about 40 million people. Yet, we have fewer than 300 psychiatrists to attend to them,” Obi wrote.
He added that the figure reflects Nigeria’s growing neglect of the health sector, stressing that “mental health is more important than physical health,” as many citizens are now mentally overwhelmed by economic hardship.
Obi further urged the Federal Government to treat the situation as a public health emergency, calling for the recruitment of more mental health professionals and the establishment of well-equipped psychiatric hospitals in all six geopolitical zones.
“The government must address poverty, unemployment, and hunger, which are the major drivers of this mental problem. We must build a nation that heals, uplifts, and gives every citizen a reason to live,” he said.
The former governor emphasized that true progress will never be measured by the wealth of political leaders but by the well-being of the people.
