“Worsening Economic Situation Under Tinubu Fueling Mental Health Crisis” — Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has expressed concern over the growing mental health crisis in Nigeria, attributing it to the worsening economic conditions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In a message marking World Mental Health Day on Thursday, Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, highlighted that mental health remains a critical issue in Nigeria that is not receiving the attention it deserves. According to him, rising levels of anxiety, depression, and suicide are being exacerbated by economic hardship, including widespread poverty, hunger, and income inequality.

“The worsening economic situation resulting from hunger, poverty, and income inequalities, coupled with other socio-political issues, has continued to fuel a growing menace of mental health cases in the country,” Obi stated on his X (formerly Twitter) handle.

He cited data from the National Institute of Health, noting that between 40 to 60 million Nigerians are currently suffering from various forms of mental illness. Obi’s remarks reflect broader concerns about the impact of Nigeria’s economic struggles on public health, particularly in the area of mental well-being.