Nigeria’s Mental Health Crisis: Experts Urge Urgent Action

Nigeria’s mental healthcare system is facing a critical crisis, exacerbated by years of underfunding and neglect. Prof. Taiwo Obindo, President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, highlighted the deepening mental health crisis during an interview with ARISE News. Despite the passage of the new Mental Health Act over two years ago, the Nigerian government has yet to implement it, leaving the outdated Lunacy Act of 1916 in place.

The ongoing challenges of economic hardship, insecurity, and rising unemployment are pushing more Nigerians into psychological distress. Prof. Obindo noted that nearly one in five Nigerians is likely to experience some form of mental illness during their lifetime, an alarming statistic given the current socio-economic conditions. “The concern has always been raised. We are now re-echoing what is on ground,” he stated, emphasizing the urgent need for a responsive mental health system.

Inadequate Funding and Resource Allocation

Prof. Obindo pointed out that Nigeria allocates a mere six percent of its health budget to mental health, with only two percent of that amount actually reaching mental health initiatives. “A chunk of that goes to the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospitals, largely for overheads, not for taking care of patients,” he explained. The psychiatrist called for a drastic increase in funding to effectively address the growing burden of mental illnesses.

The implementation of the Mental Health Act, which was signed into law in December 2022 and gazetted in January 2023, is critical for safeguarding patients’ rights and establishing a dedicated mental health department within the Ministry of Health. “Before now, what we practised was the Lunacy Act, bequeathed to us in 1916 and reviewed in 1958. Calling people ‘lunatic’ is stigmatizing,” he remarked.

Rising drug prices are compounding the difficulties faced by individuals seeking mental health treatment. Prof. Obindo highlighted that medications that once cost around ₦1,000 now exceed ₦20,000, leading many patients to discontinue their treatment, which results in higher relapse rates.

The Stigma and Impact of Mental Health Issues

Defining mental health, Prof. Obindo emphasized that everyone possesses a mental health status that deserves protection. “Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her potential, is able to cope with normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community,” he stated. Deviations from this state can indicate the onset of mental health problems.

The economic pressures and insecurity currently faced by many Nigerians are leading to widespread mental distress. “Many people are in the distressed zone because of losing relations, losing jobs, or inability to feed their families,” he warned. Stigma remains one of the most significant barriers to care, with many individuals reluctant to seek help due to fear of judgment. Prof. Obindo noted that those who do seek help often turn to traditional healers, delaying access to proper care and worsening outcomes.

The psychiatrist also pointed out that investing in mental health could yield substantial returns for the nation’s economy. “If we put one dollar into mental health, we are likely to get four dollars in return,” he cited, referencing global studies that underscore the financial benefits of prioritizing mental health resources.

In conclusion, Prof. Obindo criticized the government for not recognizing mental health as a priority. He called for the establishment of a dedicated Department of Mental Health Services within the Ministry of Health to provide the necessary resources and support for mental health care in Nigeria. With a shrinking workforce of mental health practitioners, largely due to mass emigration, the urgency for action has never been greater. “Quite a number of us are leaving the country in droves,” he lamented, emphasizing the need for immediate reforms to avert a complete collapse of the mental healthcare system.