Bishop Mathew Kukah Warns of Rising Mental Health Crisis in Nigeria Due to Violence and Poor Healthcare

 

In a powerful and emotional speech, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, has drawn national attention to a growing but often overlooked crisis in Nigeria — the mental health of its citizens. During the commissioning ceremony of major infrastructure projects at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Kware, Sokoto State, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the respected cleric expressed deep concern about the psychological toll of ongoing violence and insecurity across the country.

Bishop Kukah did not mince words as he addressed the growing mental health crisis, which he said is being fueled by widespread insecurity and the lack of access to quality medical care. His comments come at a time when Nigeria is battling several complex issues — from banditry and terrorism in the North, to kidnappings, economic hardship, and inadequate infrastructure nationwide.

“We appreciate the federal government’s efforts, but much more still needs to be done,” Bishop Kukah said.

Mental Health Crisis in Nigeria: A Silent Emergency

Mental health is rarely discussed publicly in Nigeria, despite its deep impact on millions of lives. In recent years, mental health issues have quietly grown into a public emergency. Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological illnesses are on the rise. These are largely fueled by the country’s increasing insecurity, widespread poverty, unemployment, and the trauma of surviving in a society riddled with violent attacks and systemic failures.

Bishop Kukah highlighted this worrying trend, warning that the mental well-being of Nigerians is deteriorating rapidly due to the unsafe environment they live in.

“We are all vulnerable to mental health challenges due to the violence around us and the limited access to medical care. Our women and children should not be dying because healthcare is out of reach,” he stated.

His words echo the sentiments of millions of Nigerians, especially those in rural areas who face daily uncertainty about their safety, access to basic amenities, and their future.

Why Violence and Insecurity Are Fueling Mental Illness in Nigeria

Violence has become a common feature in many parts of Nigeria. From Boko Haram attacks in the North-East, banditry and mass abductions in the North-West, to farmer-herder conflicts in the Middle Belt, and armed robberies in urban centers — the average Nigerian lives under constant threat.

For many, the fear of being kidnapped, attacked, or killed is a daily reality. These traumatic experiences take a toll not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically.

Victims of violence — including displaced families, orphaned children, and rape survivors — often go untreated for the psychological scars they carry. Without access to mental health services, these individuals are left to suffer in silence, developing conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

Bishop Kukah’s remarks remind us that mental health is a key component of national security and stability. When a population is mentally distressed, it becomes harder to achieve peace, productivity, and unity.

Lack of Mental Healthcare Services in Nigeria: A Major Concern

Despite the growing need, Nigeria’s mental healthcare system is still poorly developed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria has less than 300 psychiatrists serving a population of over 200 million people. Most of these professionals are concentrated in a few urban centers, leaving rural and conflict-affected regions severely underserved.

Facilities like the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Kware are rare and often underfunded. Many Nigerians still associate mental illness with spiritual problems or superstition, leading to stigmatization and the use of unorthodox treatments. Instead of visiting trained professionals, many people are taken to prayer houses, traditional healers, or even chained and abused in so-called healing centers.

Bishop Kukah acknowledged the importance of facilities like Kware’s neuropsychiatric hospital and emphasized the need to improve healthcare infrastructure across the country.

“We appreciate the federal government’s efforts,” he said, referring to the new projects being commissioned, “but much more still needs to be done.”

His statement serves as both gratitude and a call to action — a plea for the government to go beyond token gestures and implement comprehensive reforms.

Women and Children Are the Most Affected

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of Bishop Kukah’s speech was his focus on the plight of women and children in Nigeria’s healthcare system. For millions of Nigerian families, quality healthcare remains a luxury they cannot afford. Pregnant women, children suffering from malnutrition, or victims of sexual violence are often unable to receive proper treatment due to financial barriers or lack of facilities in their communities.

“Our women and children should not be dying because healthcare is out of reach,” the bishop emphasized.

Insecurity has further worsened the situation. In many conflict zones, hospitals have been attacked, health workers have been kidnapped, and families are forced to flee their homes — making access to any form of healthcare nearly impossible.

This neglect not only puts lives at risk but also deepens the mental health crisis, especially for mothers who have lost children, or children who have lost parents and have no access to psychological support.

A Wake-Up Call for Policymakers

Bishop Kukah’s comments must serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian leaders at every level. The ongoing mental health crisis is not just a medical issue — it is a national security threat, an economic issue, and a human rights concern.

The government must invest in building more psychiatric hospitals, training more mental health professionals, and integrating mental healthcare into primary healthcare services. Beyond that, public education campaigns are needed to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage people to seek help.

Additionally, tackling the root causes of mental distress — such as poverty, insecurity, and unemployment — will go a long way in improving the psychological resilience of Nigerians.

Federal Government's Response: Infrastructure Is Not Enough

While it is commendable that the federal government is commissioning infrastructure projects like those at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Kware, experts say this must be part of a broader, long-term strategy.

Nigeria needs policies that prioritize mental healthcare, including funding for therapy, research, awareness campaigns, and community-based interventions. Government officials must not only build hospitals but ensure they are properly staffed, well-equipped, and accessible to those who need them the most.

The bishop’s visit and his words have amplified this message: facilities alone cannot solve the crisis. True healing requires investment in people, education, and security.

Conclusion: A Nation in Need of Healing

Bishop Mathew Kukah has once again proven himself to be a voice of conscience in Nigeria. His remarks at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Kware shed light on a national emergency that has remained in the shadows for too long.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, poverty, and social unrest, the mental health of its people cannot be ignored. We must listen to Bishop Kukah's call — "We are all vulnerable to mental health challenges due to the violence around us and the limited access to medical care."

Now more than ever, Nigeria must act decisively to protect the psychological well-being of its people. The time to invest in mental health is not tomorrow — it is today.