Health
THE 4th Vanguard Mental Health Summit has highlighted interventions to tackle drug abuse among young Nigerians, including early intervention, affordable mental healthcare and stronger advocacy.
The summit, held on Friday in Lagos, focused on advancing youth mental health, particularly the impact of technology and social media on young people’s well-being.
Dr Veronica Nyamali, President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) and keynote speaker, said adolescence and youth have critical stages of emotional and behavioural development, particularly when young people often sought independence and were influenced by their peers.
Nyamali said some young people explored risky behaviours, including substance use, while trying to establish their identities and challenge values instilled by their families and society.
She stressed the need for early identification and intervention for young people showing signs of mental illness to prevent their conditions from worsening.
The psychiatrist identified the high cost of treatment and stigma as major barriers to accessing mental healthcare, urging the government to implement the Mental Health Act to improve service coordination and affordability.
She said implementing the Act would facilitate better coordination of mental health services, help address insurance coverage and support efforts to subsidise treatment for people unable to afford care.
“There is need to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare facilities to reduce stigma and improve access, particularly for young people who may feel uncomfortable visiting specialist psychiatric hospitals.
” Also, training primary healthcare workers to recognise early signs of mental illness and establishing clear referral pathways for patients requiring specialised treatment may be of help,” she said.
Speaking, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd.), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), called for affordable mental healthcare, more trained professionals and effective implementation of existing policies to address substance abuse among young Nigerians.
Marwa, represented by Mrs Archie-Abia Ibinabo, Director of Narcotics, said the agency had counselled, treated and rehabilitated 53,843 persons across its 31 rehabilitation centres nationwide in the last five years.
He added that the NDLEA had conducted 17,213 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) outreaches within the period as part of efforts to reduce drug demand alongside its enforcement operations.
Marwa noted that young people faced additional risks online, including cyberbullying, screen addiction and the glamorisation of drug use.
He urged stakeholders to promote positive messages on social media and encourage open conversations about mental health and substance abuse at home and in schools.
“Stigma is a major barrier to seeking help; parents, teachers, religious leaders and the media need to create supportive environments where young people could discuss their challenges without fear of judgment.
“The government agencies, health professionals, educators, civil society organisations and the private sector should collaborate in preventing substance abuse and improving access to mental healthcare,” he said.
Earlier, the Editor of Vanguard, Mr Eze Anaba, urged the Federal Government and health institutions to expand access to affordable mental health services for young Nigerians.
The editor also called on schools and universities to establish clear counselling and referral pathways, while urging technology platforms to strengthen measures against cyberbullying and harmful online content.
The editor said Vanguard would sustain its reporting on youth mental health and follow up on commitments made by relevant institutions and stakeholders.
The event featured a panel discussion where experts examined mental health, drug abuse and the effects of social media on young people, including strategies to minimise its harmful impact on their well-being.
The News Agency of Nigeria ((NAN) reports that the summit had the theme: Advancing Youth Mental Health In Nigeria”.(NAN)
A.I
Oct. 9, 2026
Tags: 4TH Vanguard Mental Health Summit Mr Eze Anaba Mrs Archie-Abia Ibinabo NDLEA