As Nigeria joins the world to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, mental health experts warn of rising suicide cases fueled by hardship, stigma, and untreated mental illness, urging urgent reforms and greater support systems.
ABUJA – As the United Nations marks the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) today with the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” (2024–2026), Nigerian experts have raised concerns over the country’s rising suicide cases.
A data review by Daily Trust indicated that 367 Nigerians took their lives in the last seven years, with 87 reported in 2019, 55 in 2020, 43 in 2021, 68 in 2022, 41 in 2023, 45 in 2024, and 28 so far in 2025.
Mental health professional Dinma Amadi described suicide as a “silent epidemic,” warning that poverty, unemployment, toxic workplaces, and domestic violence were major triggers. “No one in their right mind is genuinely happy to die. Suicide in itself is an end product. It came from a sickness of the mind, and we must acknowledge that it is as valid as sickness of the body,” she said. Amadi urged government to decriminalize attempted suicide, stressing that punishment only worsens trauma.
Consultant psychiatrist Dr Chukwudi Charles Elonu stressed education as a key preventive tool. “One of the most effective ways to prevent suicide is through education… When people are educated about the factors that can lead to suicidal thoughts, they become better equipped to recognize early warning signs,” he said.
Similarly, Dr Elizabeth Ebigbagha of UITH noted that untreated depression, psychosis, and substance abuse often lead to suicidal actions. She urged media outlets to focus more on root causes than methods to avoid harmful influence.
Clerics also weighed in, with Islamic and Christian leaders stressing the sanctity of life and calling for counseling, prayer, and stronger community support systems.
Experts collectively urged government, families, and communities to step up awareness, empathy, and access to mental health care to stem the tide.