Jan 6, 2023 —

President Muhammadu Buhari has finally signed into law the Mental Health Bill 2021 after two failed attempts at overhaul in 2003 and 2013. The bill, which was harmonised by both the upper and lower chambers of the National Assembly in 2021, is the first legislative reform adopted in the field since the country’s independence, and will also replace the Lunacy Act of 1958. “The regulation assented to on Thursday, January 5, establishes human rights protections for those with mental health conditions, such as banning discrimination in housing, employment, medical, and other social services. “It also guarantees that those receiving treatments have the right to participate in formulating their medical plans and cannot have forced treatment, seclusion, or other methods of restraint — common practices in mental health facilities — without appropriate safeguards.”

Create your own personalized flier supporting the Bill here https://getdp.co/passnigerianmhb.

Additionally, share it with us by tagging @nigerianmentalhealth on Instagram and on Twitter using the hashtag #PassNigerianMHB with reasons mental health should be a priority or why it’s important to you. Selected individuals will be highlighted on our social media platforms.

Your voice matters!

The more visibility we have for the National Mental Health Bill the more likely we are to get Presidential assent. Please help us spread the word!