Experts Sound Alarm as 16,000 Nigerians Die by Suicide Yearly
Health experts have issued a urgent warning over Nigeria's growing suicide crisis, revealing that approximately 16,000 Nigerians take their own lives every year. Young people are among the most affected. This alarming figure was disclosed at the 3rd Vanguard Mental Health Summit in Lagos, which was held to mark World Mental Health Day 2025. The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd.), described the situation as a "serious national issue" that can no longer be ignored. He directly linked drug abuse to the mental health crisis, noting that 14.3 million Nigerians abuse drugs. Mental health expert, Prof. Taiwo Sheikh, explained that suicide is driven by multiple factors. He listed these as including economic hardship, job loss, discrimination, and social media pressures. Critically, he stated that 90% of suicide deaths are linked to mental […]