Kano, Northern Nigeria in Grips of Mental Health Emergency

The Mental Health Crisis in northern Nigeria seems to be a perennial challenge.  For some reasons linked to drug and substance abuse, state of insecurity, economic hardship, among others the phenomenon has reached an emergency situation in the region. AHR’s Hussaini Kafi in Kano, who gives a sad picture of the situation in his graphic detailed report, underlines the seriousness of the mental health crisis across Nigeria’s northern part, as is literally grabbing the region by the jugular.  

In the heart of Kano, amid the bustling streets and chaotic markets, 38-year-old Nasiru Ahmed sat on a street corner, staring blankly into the distance. His clothes were unkempt, his face weary, and his silence haunting. To many passersby, Ahmed was just another man lost in thought. But inside, he was waging a silent war against a mind tormented by years of trauma, rejection, and hopelessness.

Nasiru’s ordeal began in childhood. Like many boys in northern Nigeria, he was sent away for Almajiri studies, moving from Adamawa to Bauchi to Gombe in search of Islamic education. But he never adjusted to the life of an itinerant student, often going without food and being subjected to harsh treatment. When he resisted staying in school, his father disowned him, leaving him to fend for himself.

With no formal education or support, Nasiru turned to selling traditional medicine to survive. However, he was arrested four times on allegations that he was selling fake medicine. Each arrest deepened his despair, reinforcing the belief that society had cast him aside. Struggling with depression and hopelessness, he became a shadow of himself—wandering the streets, disconnected from reality, and lost in a cycle of silent suffering.

Nasiru’s story is not unique. Across Kano and several northern states, thousands of people like him are battling mental illnesses, trapped in a system that offers no support, no treatment, and no escape. From displaced families in Zamfara to unemployed youths in Katsina, the weight of economic despair, insecurity, and social rejection is driving many to the edge. Yet, mental health remains a taboo subject, forcing victims into silence and pushing some toward tragic ends.

This report uncovers the hidden epidemic of mental illness in northern Nigeria, the devastating effects of untreated depression, and the urgent need for intervention.

A Society in Distress: The Economic and Security Burden

The economic downturn has devastated countless families, particularly in Kano and neighboring states like Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto. Inflation has driven up the cost of food, rent, and transportation, making daily survival a struggle. For those who lose their jobs or businesses, the financial burden often turns into deep psychological distress.

Kano-based economist Dr. Bashir Muhammad explained the connection between economic hardship and mental health. “When people cannot provide for their families, the psychological impact is severe. It starts with anxiety, then depression sets in, and if left untreated, some consider extreme actions like suicide.”

Beyond economic struggles, insecurity has compounded the crisis. In Zamfara, where banditry has displaced thousands, families live with the trauma of losing loved ones or being forced to flee their homes. In Borno, survivors of Boko Haram attacks, especially women and children, continue to suffer from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). These realities have turned many northern communities into ticking time bombs of mental distress.

Silent Suffering: How Stigma Prevents Healing

Despite the rising cases of mental illness, seeking help remains a taboo in many northern communities. Traditional beliefs often attribute mental health conditions to spiritual attacks, supernatural forces, or moral weakness, leading many families to take affected individuals to prayer houses or traditional healers instead of medical facilities.

One such case is Hassan Abdullahi, a 28-year-old graduate in Kano.

“I struggled with depression after my business collapsed,” he recounted. “I couldn’t sleep, I lost weight, and I felt like a failure. When I tried to talk about it, people told me to pray more, that it was a spiritual attack. No one saw it as an illness that needed medical attention.”

The consequences of this stigma are severe. Many individuals avoid seeking help out of fear of being labeled “mad” or “possessed.” Instead, they endure their struggles alone, leading to self-harm, substance abuse, or even suicide.

The Human Cost: Suicide on the Rise

The statistics paint a grim picture. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that Nigeria has one of the highest suicide rates in Africa, with 6.9 per 100,000 people taking their own lives annually. While data specific to Kano is scarce, reports from local authorities indicate a troubling rise in suicide cases, particularly among young people and middle-aged men.

A tragic example is Sadiq Lawan, a 32-year-old father of three in Kano, who ended his life after struggling with financial burdens. His wife, Maryam Lawan, tearfully shared:

“He was once a happy man, but everything changed when he lost his job. He became withdrawn, stopped talking, and then one morning, we found him hanging from the ceiling. I never imagined depression could take his life.”

In Katsina State, a 19-year-old university student was found dead in his room, leaving behind a note detailing his battle with depression:

“I feel empty inside, and no one understands what I’m going through.”

The tragic loss of lives underscores the urgent need for mental health awareness and intervention in northern Nigeria.

The Gap in Mental Health Services

Despite the growing crisis, mental health services in Kano and surrounding states are grossly inadequate. Nigeria as a whole has fewer than 300 psychiatrists serving a population of over 200 million people, and most of them are concentrated in the south. The Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), one of the few mental health facilities in northern Nigeria, is overwhelmed with cases.

Psychiatrist Dr. Fatima Yusuf, who works at AKTH, lamented the situation. “We have more patients than we can handle. Many come in only when their conditions have worsened because mental health is not prioritized in our healthcare system. We need more funding, more awareness, and more professionals.”

Beyond hospitals, community-based mental health support is almost non-existent. Many primary healthcare centers lack trained personnel to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. This leaves many individuals with no option but to suffer in silence.

A Ray of Hope: Local Initiatives Step In

Despite the dire situation, some organisations are working to change the narrative. In Kano, the Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) has been conducting mental health awareness campaigns, especially targeting youth. Through social media engagements, school programs, and crisis hotlines

 

 

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