Casket dealers across the Southeast say 2026 has been their busiest year in recent memory, with demand up an estimated 15% to 20% compared to 2024 and 2025. Sellers say the rise is driven by a mix of disease, economic hardship, and growing mental health challenges in communities.
“Before, it was mostly old age and sickness. Now we are burying more young people. Families tell us that it’s pressure, frustration, and sometimes suicide,” said Mr. Chinedu Okeke, a casket dealer at Ogbaru Main Market, Onitsha. “Business is moving, but it’s painful to see.”
What the 2026 data shows
1. Infectious diseases
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control reported 252 Lassa fever deaths nationwide as of mid-August 2026, with a case fatality rate of 24.4%. That’s up from 159 deaths and 18.6% case fatality rate in the same period in 2025. Ebonyi is among the Southeast states with confirmed cases. The NCDC said late presentation and high cost of treatment remain major obstacles.
2. Non-communicable diseases
Hospital studies in the South list stroke, hypertension, heart disease and liver disease among leading causes. Stroke accounted for 26.7% of circulatory deaths in one 6-year review. Doctors say stress and poor diet linked to economic pressure are worsening these conditions.
3. Maternal deaths
A study in Enugu cited obstetric haemorrhage 43.5%, hypertensive disorders 39.1% and sepsis 17.4% as top causes. Most victims were aged 25-39 and presented as unbooked emergencies.
4. Psychological and social factors
Health workers and religious leaders say this is the biggest change in 2026.
Dr. Uche Nwosu, a psychiatrist at ESUT Teaching Hospital, Enugu:
“We are seeing more cases of depression, anxiety and substance abuse among young adults 21-39. Economic hardship, joblessness, and inability to meet family responsibilities are pushing many to the edge. Some cope, some break down, and unfortunately some die by suicide.”
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okafor, a parish priest in Owerri:
“In my parish alone we have done 4 counseling sessions for families who lost someone to suicide this year. Two years ago we did none. People are frustrated. Bills, rent, school fees. It’s too much. The hopelessness is real.”
Mrs. Ada Eze, who sells caskets in Aba:
“Customers now ask for cheaper options because money is tight. But they still want a ‘befitting’ burial. The stress on families is enormous. You can see it on their faces.”
The NCDC also flagged that poor health-seeking behaviour and delayed care, worsened by cost, are contributing to higher fatalities across diseases.
Comparison: 2024 vs 2025 vs 2026
– Lassa fever deaths: 159 in 2025 vs 252 in 2026 to August — about 58% increase
– Age pattern: More deaths reported among working-age adults 21-39, the same group hit hardest by unemployment and inflation
– Market trend: Sellers say 2024 was stable, 2025 saw a slight rise, but 2026 demand jumped from Q1 due to illness and “stress-related” cases
Calls for action
Health professionals are urging:
1. Expansion of mental health services at primary health centres
2. Government palliatives and job programmes to ease economic pressure
3. Public awareness on early treatment and suicide prevention
4. Stronger regulation of patent medicine vendors and drug abuse
“For every casket we sell, there is a story of pain behind it,” said Okeke. “If government and communities don’t address the economy and mental health, the numbers will keep rising.”
