The Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the federal government to make mental health a national priority, urging the integration of a human rights focus into strategic plans and ensuring adequate funding for services at all levels. This appeal was made by the NHRC Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, in Abuja following the observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10.
Mr. Ojukwu emphasised that neglecting mental health amounted to a significant violation of fundamental human rights, stressing the necessity of a rights-based approach to ensure dignity, access to care, and protection from discrimination for individuals grappling with mental health challenges. His remarks underscore a persistent call from advocates for a more compassionate and equitable mental healthcare system in Nigeria.
During the event, the Executive Secretary explicitly urged the government to “provide adequate funding for mental-health services at all levels,” highlighting the critical need for substantial investment in infrastructure, qualified personnel, and accessible treatment options nationwide.
Addressing Nigeria’s Mental Health Burden
Nigeria faces a substantial mental health burden, characterised by a high prevalence of various conditions, pervasive stigma, and a severe shortage of qualified professionals and facilities. Millions of Nigerians lack access to even basic mental healthcare, often relying on traditional healers or facing neglect within their communities. World Mental Health Day, observed annually, serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness and mobilise efforts towards improving mental well-being globally.
The call for a human rights focus means ensuring that persons with mental health conditions are treated with respect, protected from abuse and exploitation, and have their autonomy upheld in decisions concerning their treatment. It also advocates for community-based care over institutionalisation, guaranteeing informed consent, and combating the deep-seated societal stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking help.
The NHRC’s advocacy builds upon recent legislative advancements. In 2021, Nigeria passed the Mental Health Act, which replaced the outdated and colonial-era Lunacy Act of 1958. This new legislation was hailed as a significant step towards protecting the rights of persons with mental health conditions, aiming to modernise mental healthcare delivery and align it with international human rights standards. However, effective implementation of this progressive law remains largely dependent on political will and sustained financial commitment.
Key figures present at the event included Isioma Nwosa, Director of the Vulnerable Groups Department and the Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights Department at the NHRC, alongside various mental health advocates, experts, and stakeholders such as Ameh Zion, Ene Ede of Equity Advocate, James Komolafe, and Ogechi Ogu of PAR-RVPI.
For the business community, inadequate mental health services translate into significant economic costs through lost productivity, absenteeism, and reduced workforce participation. Investing in mental healthcare is therefore not just a humanitarian imperative but also a strategic economic decision that can foster a healthier, more productive workforce and contribute to overall national development.
The NHRC’s consistent advocacy places renewed pressure on the federal government to fully operationalise the Mental Health Act 2021 and allocate the necessary budgetary resources. This transformation is crucial for shifting mental healthcare from a neglected sector to a well-resourced system that genuinely upholds the rights and well-being of all Nigerians, moving beyond policy pronouncements to tangible action.
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