Mental health experts and advocacy groups have called on the Federal Government to formally declare suicide a national crisis, citing alarming statistics and the increasing frequency of self-harm cases across the country.
At a stakeholders’ roundtable held in Abuja this week, public health professionals warned that Nigeria is facing an “unseen epidemic” of suicide, worsened by economic hardship, stigma, and a lack of mental health infrastructure. The gathering, which included psychologists, NGOs, and religious leaders, urged the government to urgently implement a national suicide prevention strategy backed by legislation and funding.
Dr. Tayo Adeniran, a clinical psychologist and keynote speaker at the event, said suicide is no longer a rare or isolated incident in Nigeria but a growing public health emergency. “We are seeing more young people, students, and even professionals resorting to suicide because they feel trapped. If the government does not declare this a national emergency, we will keep losing lives needlessly,” he said.
Nigeria is ranked among the top countries with high suicide rates, with estimates suggesting that at least 7000 suicide deaths occur annually though experts believe the actual numbers may be significantly higher due to underreporting and stigma. The country still criminalizes attempted suicide under its penal code, a policy many experts say deters people from seeking help.
Advocacy groups at the event called for the urgent repeal of Section 327 of the Criminal Code, which prescribes jail terms for suicide attempt survivors. They argue that treating survivors as criminals rather than patients is counterproductive and inhumane.
“There is no health without mental health,” said Grace Nnaji, director of SafeMind Initiative. “The government must stop pretending this problem does not exist. We need a toll-free national helpline, trained counselors in schools, and safe spaces in communities.”
In response to growing pressure, representatives from the Ministry of Health acknowledged the urgency of the crisis and promised to push for stronger mental health provisions. However, no formal timeline was given for action.
Mental health professionals argue that if nothing is done, the economic cost of untreated mental illness including suicide will continue to rise, draining productivity, increasing healthcare burdens, and deepening family tragedies.
They insist that declaring suicide a national crisis is not just a symbolic act, but a necessary step to unlock resources, policy reform, and public awareness.
source: vanguardngr.com
