Nigeria's National Mental Health Act, which received presidential assent in December 2022, has failed to come into effect almost four years later. The law, designed to replace a colonial-era system, promises to treat individuals with mental health conditions with dignity and respect. It establishes a Department of Mental Health Services, a Mental Health Fund, and a Mental Health Assessment Committee. However, these institutions have yet to be set up.
The neglect of the Mental Health Act has severe consequences for Nigerians struggling with mental health issues. Many are forced to rely on uncoordinated and often inadequate services, with most paying directly for mental healthcare. Fewer than three percent of individuals with mental health conditions have insurance coverage, leaving families to bear the financial burden. This can lead to abandoned treatment or desperate measures.
The proposed amendment to decriminalize attempted suicide, approved by the Federal Executive Council in August 2026, is a step in the right direction. However, there are concerns that this amendment may be used as an opportunity to weaken the entire Mental Health Act. The government has been urged to publish the proposed amendment and engage with stakeholders to ensure that the rights of individuals with mental health conditions are protected.
The National Assembly played a crucial role in passing the Mental Health Act, and its health committees should now demand explanations from responsible officials and establish timelines for implementation. The Presidency, Federal Ministry of Health, and Attorney-General must work together to ensure that the law is obeyed and that mental health services are established. State governments, professional bodies, and human rights organizations also have a role to play in supporting the implementation of the Act.
Mental health is a broader societal issue that affects individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. The Department of Mental Health Services, established by law, is not a professional trophy but essential public infrastructure. It is crucial that this department is set up to provide coordinated services and support to those in need.
The implementation of the Mental Health Act requires a coordinated effort from various stakeholders, including government agencies, professional bodies, and civil society organizations. The Nigerian Bar Association, human rights organizations, and journalists must work together to defend the rights of individuals with mental health conditions and hold institutions accountable for their actions.
The neglect of the Mental Health Act has significant implications for the well-being of Nigerians. It is essential that the government and other stakeholders take immediate action to implement the law and provide adequate mental health services to those in need. This includes establishing the Department of Mental Health Services, making the Mental Health Fund operational, and constituting the Mental Health Assessment Committee.
Key points
- The Nigerian government must take immediate action to implement the Mental Health Act and provide adequate mental health services to those in need.
- The proposed amendment to decriminalize attempted suicide must be done in a way that does not weaken the entire Mental Health Act.
- The implementation of the Mental Health Act requires a coordinated effort from various stakeholders, including government agencies, professional bodies, and civil society organizations.
