At the 3rd Vanguard Mental Health Summit held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, Professor Taiwo Sheikh made a passionate appeal to Nigerians to take their mental health seriously. Speaking to an audience of health professionals, policymakers, and mental health advocates, Sheikh emphasized that mental well-being is not just a medical concern but a universal aspect of human life.
He explained that mental health affects how people think, feel, relate to others, make decisions, and manage stress. “Mental health is not something to focus on only when things fall apart,” he said. “It is an essential part of everyday life, and we all have it. Just as we care for our physical health, we must protect our mental health.”
Sheikh highlighted the growing mental health crisis in Nigeria, pointing to rising suicide rates and the lack of accessible care. He said many people suffer in silence due to stigma and misinformation, with some unable to access support until it is too late.
He clarified that suicide itself is not a mental illness, but that mental health conditions—alongside substance use disorders—are closely linked to suicidal behavior. According to him, around 90 percent of suicide cases involve individuals struggling with mental illness, and more than 70 percent are directly related to mental health conditions. He warned that poor access to care remains one of the country’s biggest risk factors.
Global statistics show suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 29. In Africa, it ranks second only to road accidents. In Nigeria, an estimated 15,000 people die by suicide each year, though experts believe the actual figure is higher due to underreporting and the criminalization of suicide attempts.
Sheikh called for a national suicide prevention strategy that includes decriminalizing suicide and establishing a dedicated fund to expand access to mental health services. He argued that only with proper investment and reform can the country address the scale of the issue.
He concluded by emphasizing that mental health should be treated as a collective responsibility, not a private burden. He encouraged Nigerians to speak openly about mental health, seek support when needed, and push for systemic changes that prioritize emotional and psychological well-being.
