ADDRESSING NIGERIA’S MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS: A CALL TO ACTION FOR GOVERNMENT AND CITIZENS IN NIGERIA, AFRICA, AND BEYOND

Hello readers of Victor Cosmas Blog from Nigeria, Africa, the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and across the globe!

If you’re new here, welcome! Victor Cosmas Blog is dedicated to envisioning a thriving Nigeria—a nation led by brilliant minds and filled with compassionate, considerate citizens who make it a beacon of hope for Africa and the world. Today, I’m addressing a pressing issue that affects not just Nigeria but resonates globally: the mental health crisis plaguing our streets.

It’s heartbreaking to walk through cities in Nigeria—whether in Akwa Ibom State, my home, or Ogun State and Lagos State—and see mentally ill Nigerians abandoned to survive harsh nights and blistering days. These individuals, often eating from trash cans and enduring unimaginable hardship, are a stark reminder of a system that has failed them. Even in Eastern Nigeria, where I’ve traveled, the sight of mentally unwell citizens wandering aimlessly is all too common. This isn’t just a Nigerian problem—it’s a human problem that demands attention in Africa and beyond.

The State of Mental Health in Nigeria: A Growing Crisis

Mental illness in Nigeria is more widespread than many realize. Research shows that one in four Nigerians battles some form of mental health challenge, yet only 10% of those affected have access to psychiatric care. With fewer than 150 psychiatrists serving a population of over 200 million, the gap is glaring. In Akwa Ibom, Lagos, and Ogun, the mentally ill roam streets, stripped of dignity, battling conditions like schizophrenia—sometimes worsened by spiritual beliefs or substance abuse. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a call for empathy and action.

Illustration highlighting Nigeria's mental health crisis and the need for awareness

Nigeria’s Mental Health Policy of 1991 was a step forward, but decades later, it’s outdated and underfunded. Only 4% of the healthcare budget is allocated to mental health—a fraction compared to the over 20% spent on political elites. This imbalance is unsustainable. Governors of Nigeria’s 36 states and President Tinubu, it’s time to revisit this policy, increase funding, and prioritize mental healthcare infrastructure.

Why Mental Health Matters for Nigeria and Africa

A nation’s strength lies in how it treats its most vulnerable. The mentally ill deserve more than survival—they deserve love, care, and basic human rights: a warm blanket, a proper shower, regular haircuts, and access to psychotropic medications. Yet, Nigeria faces critical shortages: too few physicians to staff primary healthcare centers, restricted access to essential drugs, and limited support from NGOs. Housing and support groups for the mentally ill are nearly nonexistent. This isn’t just a local issue—it’s a challenge Africa and the global community must confront.

Imagine a Nigeria where streets are safe, not just for the public but for the mentally ill too. A Nigeria where no one eats from trash cans or sleeps in the cold. I dream of this transformation happening by March 2025—an ambitious goal, but one worth pursuing.

A Global Call to Action: How You Can Help

This isn’t just a message for President Tinubu or Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom—it’s for every Nigerian, African, and global citizen reading this in the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia. We can’t keep demonizing the mentally ill or ignoring their plight. Here’s how we can act:

Government Intervention: Increase mental health funding beyond 4%. Build psychiatric facilities and train more professionals to bridge the gap.

Private Support: NGOs and individuals can provide shelters, food, and medication. Every small sacrifice counts.

Public Awareness: Share this message. Educate others about mental health in Nigeria and Africa.

While we enjoy the comfort of our homes, hotels, or presidential lodges, let’s remember those shivering outside. While we dine in abundance, let’s think of those scavenging for scraps. Equality in Nigeria—and across Africa—means caring for both the sane and the insane.

Join the Movement for Change

Wherever you are—Nigeria, Africa, the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia—you can be part of this change. Contact me via the comment section below, and I’ll guide you on how to contribute—whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy. Together, we can rid our streets of suffering and build a safer, more compassionate Nigeria.

Let’s prove our love for our nation and continent. God bless Nigeria, God bless Africa, and God bless the world.