Mental Health Day: NHRC Pushes for Human Rights in Nigeria’s Mental Health Plan

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said on Monday that it is teaming up with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. They want to include human rights in Nigeria’s National Mental Health Strategic Plan (NSP) for 2027-2032.

Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the commission, spoke at an event in Abuja for World Mental Health Day. He said, "This is the first time Nigeria will be developing a consolidated National Strategic Plan (NSP) on mental health."

Ojukwu added, "The commission, in collaboration with stakeholders such as the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is working to mainstream human rights into Nigeria’s NSP on mental health 2027-2032, a five-year plan developed under the Federal Ministry of Health."

He linked the need for this plan to Nigeria’s mental health issues, which come from problems like poverty and insecurity. He urged the government to prioritize mental health and to "provide adequate funding for mental-health services at all levels."

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says this year’s theme is "Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change." This theme encourages people with mental health experiences to share their stories so that their voices can influence policies and services.

According to WHO, over a billion people live with mental health conditions. Mental health is crucial because it helps people manage stress.

Ojukwu explained that mental health goes beyond being a medical issue. It is also a human rights issue because it connects to the right to health.

Ameh Zion, a mental health advocate and founder of the Mandate Health Empowerment Initiative, spoke about those at risk for mental health conditions. He mentioned that survivors of violence, terrorism, and abuse often have hidden psychological scars that affect their ability to contribute to the country.

Nigeria signed the National Mental Health Act in January 2023. This act replaced the old Lunacy Act of 1958, bringing a fresh approach to mental healthcare.

But despite this change, Zion pointed out that problems remain. He noted that over 90 percent of Nigerians with mental health issues do not have access to care, which should not be the case.

Ojukwu also addressed the issue of stigma. He said that even though the new Act discourages discrimination, it still exists. He urged Nigerians not to stigmatize those with mental health conditions, as this makes them more vulnerable, especially when families lack support.

“A mental-health condition does not reduce a person’s worth, dignity or human rights,” he said. He encouraged Nigerians not to define people by their mental health issues.

Ojukwu also asked the media to help raise awareness about mental health and report on it in a sensitive manner.

Ogechi Ogu, executive director of the Public Awareness on Rights and Rehabilitation of Vulnerable Persons Initiative (PAR-RVPI), also emphasized the need for ongoing awareness about mental health.

She said, "That’s why all of us need to understand and go back to our communities to enlighten people on this. It’s not a spiritual problem; this is what bars people from accessing services. When they are talked down on, they find it difficult to locate a psychiatrist or any other counsellor that can help in situations like that."

Ene Ede, Executive Director of Equity Advocate, connected childhood trauma, gender issues, and mental health. James Komolafe, a mental health expert, also spoke about how mental health relates to violence. He said, "It is violence within for violence without."

Ojukwu called on the government to provide accessible and affordable community-based mental health services, better health insurance, and more trained professionals like psychologists and social workers.

He added, "We also urge the full implementation of the National Mental Health Act and Policy, with clear accountability." He called for support for victims of human rights violations, including survivors of violence, terrorism, and trafficking.