A systematic review of the impact of economic and security conditions on mental health and well-being in Nigeria

Nigeria faces the dual burden of escalating economic instability and pervasive insecurity. However, a comprehensive synthesis of evidence examining how these macro-level stressors are associated with mental health and well-being in the Nigerian population remains limited. This systematic review synthesized empirical evidence linking economic hardship and security challenges to mental health outcomes in Nigeria. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, AJOL, BMC, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar was conducted for peer-reviewed original studies published between 2020 and 2025. Studies were included if they examined associations between economic conditions (including unemployment, poverty, inflation, and food insecurity) or security-related conditions (including conflict, displacement, and violence) and mental health outcomes among Nigerian populations. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist, and findings were synthesized narratively because of substantial methodological and clinical heterogeneity across included studies. A total of 26 studies met the inclusion criteria. Financial strain, unemployment, and food insecurity were consistently associated with elevated depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. Security-related exposures, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency, communal violence, and displacement, were linked to increased post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and psychological distress among internally displaced persons and frontline populations. Women, youth, informal workers, and conflict-affected populations experienced disproportionately elevated mental health burdens. Social support, religious involvement, physical activity, and stable income emerged as important protective factors. The findings suggest that economic deprivation and insecurity are important and interrelated determinants of mental health challenges in Nigeria. Addressing these burdens requires integrated and multi-sectoral strategies combining mental health services with poverty alleviation, social protection, humanitarian response, and peacebuilding initiatives. Strengthening community-based psychosocial support systems and integrating mental health into humanitarian and economic recovery programs should be prioritized.