Lagos, Oct 11 — Professor Taiwo Lateef Sheikh, a senior psychiatrist at the Department of Psychiatry, [Ahmadu Bello University](https://www.abu.edu.ng), warned that Nigeria’s failure to prioritise mental health is eroding social cohesion, diminishing confidence in public institutions and deepening hopelessness among the nation’s youth.
**Key points**
- Sheikh called on the Federal Government to operationalise the [National Mental Health Act 2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Mental_Health_Act_2021) and broaden affordable, community‑based services.
- He delivered these remarks at the 4th [Vanguard Mental Health Summit](https://www.vanguardngr.com) held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
- Nigeria’s population stands at roughly 230 million, with a large proportion of young people whose trust in institutions is waning.
- “Nigeria faces a serious social capital crisis. Low trust in institutions and tensions between communities weaken the relationships that hold society together,” he asserted.
What did Professor Sheikh identify as the main drivers of the crisis?
Sheikh highlighted insecurity, family breakdown, substance misuse and the growing desire of many young Nigerians to emigrate as factors that go beyond mere economics. He explained that living in “survival mode” prevents forward planning and that the urge to leave the country also reflects a loss of confidence in the future.
How does untreated trauma affect communities?
He warned that prolonged exposure to violence can damage the trust needed for community rebuilding. “Consider a child who grows up in Kaduna witnessing killings and receiving no psychological support. That child may become hyper‑vigilant and deeply mistrustful. How will such an adult trust the state? How will that person nurture the next generation?” he asked.
What solutions did he propose?
Sheikh outlined a three‑step roadmap:
- Strengthen the mental‑health system and expand affordable, quality care at the community level.
- Fully implement the National Mental Health Act 2021 rather than leaving its provisions on paper.
- De‑criminalise attempted suicide and ensure that people in crisis receive appropriate care and support.
He stressed that mental‑health services must be accessible close to where people live, not confined to specialist hospitals.
Why is mental health more than an economic issue?
Sheikh cautioned against viewing mental wellbeing solely through its economic benefits. Untreated conditions can impair education, employment, productivity and overall quality of life, while accessible care can generate broad societal gains. “The bridge between poverty and prosperity is not infrastructure alone; it requires mental health. The bridge between conflict and peace is not negotiation alone; it also requires trauma healing and reconciliation,” he said.
How do mental health and social capital interact?
He explained that psychological wellbeing enables individuals to build relationships, engage in community life and cooperate with others. In turn, strong family ties, friendships and wider social networks reduce loneliness, provide emotional support and help people cope with adversity. “The relationship works both ways. Mental health can help generate social capital, while social capital can support mental wellbeing,” Sheikh noted.
In his concluding remarks, Sheikh affirmed that sustainable social development cannot be achieved without mental health, and that social capital and development are mutually reinforcing pillars of lasting prosperity.