Joseph Abbas, a psychologist and public health researcher at Rutgers University, has called on the Federal Government to invest in youth- and community-based mental health programmes, warning that rising restiveness and crime among Nigerian youth are rooted in structural neglect.

“Youth insecurity in urban areas is fueled by chronic exclusion — unemployment, poor housing, weak education systems, and lack of access to basic health and social services. Many young people feel trapped,” Abbas said on Wednesday, responding to reports of rising violence in cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Jos.

He explained that restiveness is both a symptom and driver of poor mental health, often emerging from long-term exposure to poverty, violence, and instability, which leads to rising school dropouts, drug use, chronic joblessness, and violent demonstrations.

“Psychologically, many youths show signs of aggression, withdrawal, or apathy — all tied to feeling excluded and unheard,” he said.

Abbas described Nigeria’s mental health system as hospital-centred, underfunded, and skewed toward urban elites.

“Most young people have no mental health support in their communities. Policies need to embed mental health in primary care and schools,” he said.

While noting that the 2021 Mental Health Act was a step forward, he emphasised that implementation depends on funding, workforce training, and holding institutions accountable.

He urged the government to localise global models that prioritise safe spaces, mentorship, and life-skills education, especially in areas vulnerable to crime.
“Education offers structure and opportunity, but mentorship fills the gap — it provides guidance, emotional support, and a sense of belonging,” Abbas added.

To reduce youth restiveness, Abbas recommended integrating mental health into the national health insurance scheme, expanding school-based services, creating jobs, launching anti-stigma campaigns, and partnering with faith and civil society groups to build trust.

He also called on parents to validate their children’s emotions and create safe spaces at home, noting that early support is key to prevention.

“The first step for any young person is to recognise the need for change and seek help — whether from a peer, elder, counsellor, or faith leader,” he said.

He concluded by urging local leaders to champion youth voices in policymaking and support youth centres and grassroots mental health programmes, adding, “If we want peace and progress, we must stop treating youth mental health as an afterthought.”