As a Nigerian American development professional, policy analyst, and lawyer with 15+ years of experience addressing frontier policy challenges across Africa, I strongly believe that mental health remains one of the biggest unaddressed health challenge of our age. A lack of research on Nigeria’s mental health demographics has contributed to it being a low priority among policymakers and inadequately funded. Infrastructure is deficient with only eight federal neuropsychiatric hospitals in Nigeria, and three operating at the state level. Mental health workers have complained that these facilities are too few, face strained budgets, poor work conditions, staffing issues, and residents experience abuse. At the community level, mental health care is limited, which falls short of the global standard set out by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Human capacity is also a challenge. Consequently, survivor-led community based NGOs have resolved to restore voices to those affected by the disparities between available healthcare services and need for mental health services.

The bottom line is that Nigeria needs a mental health strategy that will tackle the culture and changing the way our society treats mental health. Mental health challenges will only cease to be a problem if all people with mental health difficulties can find their place in life, with stigma lifted and everyone pulling in the same direction.

Nigeria should pass vital legislation to ensure that Mental Health is pushed as a National Priority! Its delay means continued denial of adequate and quality care for persons with psychological needs.

Sign the petition here and share to support.

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Chime Asonye
Executive Director, Mentor