Korede Abdullah 
Prof. Taiwo Sheikh
LAGOS, Nigeria – Mental health experts have urged Nigeria to declare suicide a national crisis, calling it a preventable tragedy claiming thousands of lives yearly.
Speaking on Friday at Vanguard’s 3rd Mental Health Summit themed “Taming the Tide of Suicide in Nigeria,” Continental Representative for Lifeline International, Prof. Taiwo Sheikh said: “Suicide takes 16,000 lives yearly – more than any other condition, not even Boko Haram – yet Nigeria has not declared it as a crisis.” Citing WHO data, he noted that one in every hundred deaths globally is due to suicide, with Africa recording the highest rate.
He called for a national prevention strategy, including decriminalisation and access to mental health treatment.
Also speaking at the event, a UK-based psychiatrist, Prof. Olufemi Oluwatayo linked rising cases to poverty, noting, “Economic hardship is pushing many into depression. Managing the economy is suicide prevention.”
NAFDAC DG, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye stressed regulation of psychotropic drugs and anti-stigma education.
The summit echoed one message: suicide is preventable through compassion, reform, and access to care.
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Hussaini Ibrahim 
Chukwu Obinna 
Koko Maxwella 
Otamere Gladness