Only 300 Psychiatrists Serving Over 200 Million Nigerians — NAFDAC Raises Alarm

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sounded a serious warning about the worsening mental health crisis in Nigeria, revealing that only about 300 psychiatrists are available to serve a population exceeding 200 million. Speaking at the 3rd Vanguard Mental Health Summit in Lagos, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye highlighted the urgent need for improved access to mental healthcare and stronger regulation of psychotropic and antidepressant medications.

Adeyeye, represented at the summit by Dr. Ramatu Momodu of the Narcotics and Controlled Substances Unit, stressed the role of weak regulation, limited access to quality medicines, and rampant substance abuse in worsening mental health issues. She revealed that Nigeria records an estimated 16,000 suicides annually, with depression, unemployment, social isolation, and drug misuse being major contributing factors. “Many of these deaths are preventable,” she said, calling for stronger oversight of psychotropic substances to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Health experts also lamented the serious gap in mental health manpower. While the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends one psychiatrist per 100,000 people, Nigeria currently has fewer than one per 600,000 people. This shortage is worsened by the “Japa syndrome,” with many psychiatrists leaving the country for better opportunities abroad. Experts warn that the situation could deteriorate further if the 2021 Mental Health Act is not fully implemented and if mental health financing does not improve.

Only about 25% of people with mental disorders in Nigeria have access to care, while many more suffer in silence due to stigma and lack of mental health infrastructure. Experts therefore urge the government to integrate mental healthcare into primary health systems, improve mental health workforce training, and step up the implementation of mental health policies.

What do you think is the most urgent step Nigeria should take to bridge this mental health gap? Share your thoughts below.

Share to: