Hardship Pushing Nigerians Into Mental Stress — Peter Obi

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the rising level of mental stress among Nigerians, attributing it to the worsening economic hardship across the country.

In a post on his verified X handle on Saturday to mark World Mental Health Day, Obi said that poverty, unemployment, and the daily struggle for survival have pushed many citizens—especially the youth—into hopelessness, criminality, and, in some cases, suicide.

Citing a recent report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the former Anambra State governor revealed that about 40 million Nigerians are currently living with mental health conditions, yet the country has a severe shortage of qualified mental health professionals to handle such cases.

He lamented that the report underscores Nigeria’s persistent neglect of its health sector, stressing that mental health is even more vital than physical well-being.

“Nigerians are now feeling so overwhelmed by hardship that they are mentally affected. The government must treat this as a public health emergency,” Obi said.

He called for massive investments in mental health infrastructure, including the establishment of well-equipped psychiatric hospitals across all geopolitical zones, and the recruitment of more mental health professionals to meet rising demand.

Obi also emphasized the need to tackle the root causes of the crisis — poverty, unemployment, and hunger — which he said continue to erode citizens’ hope and mental stability.

“We must build a nation that heals, uplifts, and gives every citizen a reason to live. Nigeria’s progress will never be measured by the wealth of its leaders but by the well-being of its people,” he added.