In recent months, there have been troubling surge in the number of individuals exhibiting signs of mental illness in Nigeria. This frightening trend may be traced to the present economic confusion in the country. 

The streets, previously noticeable with manageable number of mentally ill individuals, are now increasingly witnessing the presence of mentally insane personalities per kilometer, who were formally important persons within their families. If immediate action is not taken, we may face a doubling of this population by the end of year 2025. 

The economic landscape in Nigeria has become increasingly hostile. With employers forced to retrench employees and businesses struggling to survive, many families are left in a calamitous situation. The middle and lower classes are particularly hard-hit, wrestling with skyrocketing prices that render basic necessities unaffordable. 

For the poorest among poor Nigerians, this crisis has reached an unbearable level, pushing them to the brink of mental breakdown. While several factors contribute to the rising incidence of mental illness in Nigeria, the connection between economic hardship and mental health is well-documented. Over strained situation, job loss, food insecurity, hunger, tension and disappointment can all play significant roles in an individual's mental health decline. 

The rise in the number of mentally ill individuals on our streets is a direct reflection of this suffering, and without intervention, we risk seeing these numbers double by next year. Caring for mentally ill individuals is not just an act of compassion; it is a societal imperative.

These individuals are often marginalized and left to fend for themselves, roaming the streets without support or treatment. This neglect not only exacerbates their conditions but also poses a risk to public safety. 

Many who find themselves in this situation were once productive members of society—breadwinners for their families before being overtaken by their conditions and possibly the recent policies of President Tinubu. Given the current state of affairs, it is crucial for the government to take decisive action if the tensed situation of the nation will take longer to soften. 

One potential solution is the establishment of ‘Mental Health Centers’ across each State of the Federation, including the Capital Territory. These facilities would serve as safe havens for those struggling with mental illness, offering them treatment and support while also alleviating the burden on our streets. 

It is vital that these Centers are adequately funded and staffed with trained professionals who understand the complexities of mental health issues. The financial implications of mental illness extend beyond the individual; they ripple through families and communities. A mentally ill person who was once the primary breadwinner can leave their family in a precarious financial situation. 

Government policies that fail to address the root causes of mental health issues only serve to deepen this crisis. It is unconscionable that in this century of civilization; in a nation with a functioning government as Nigeria, mentally ill individuals are often found wandering the streets hungry, naked and tattered. This situation speaks volumes about our societal values and priorities. 

In a civilized society, every individual deserves dignity and care, especially those who are most vulnerable. We must advocate for a system that ensures these individuals receive proper treatment and support rather than being left to suffer in public view. Providing basic care and shelter should be a fundamental human right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. 

Many forms of mental illness can be effectively treated with proper medication and therapy. For instance, though mental conditions may differ; medications such as fluphenazine can cost as little as five hundred Naira for a monthly injection on one mentally affected citizen.

In other words, the government might not expend up to fifty thousand Naira before an insane person is restored to senses. By investing in affordable treatment options, we can significantly improve the quality of life for many individuals suffering from mental illness. 

The government must prioritize mental health funding to ensure that these medications are accessible to all who need them. This investment will not only benefit those suffering from mental illness but will also contribute to a healthier society overall. 

International conventions emphasize the importance of prioritizing mental health care for all individuals. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that "There is no health without mental health." This principle underscores the necessity for governments worldwide to allocate resources towards mental health initiatives.

Nigerian government should not turn a deaf ear in this regard. Nigeria must align itself with these global standards by implementing policies that promote mental well-being and provide adequate care for those in need.

Failing to do so not only violates these international norms but also undermines our commitment to human rights and dignity. It is crucial that we address these underlying issues if we hope to stem the tide of rising mental illness in our society.