2nd Annual Colloquium on Mental Health and the Law in Nigeria

The 2nd Annual Colloquium on Mental Health and the Law in Nigeria took place on the 17^th of May 2025 with nearly 200 stakeholders, including advocates, legislators, legal practitioners, caregivers, and mental health experts, assembled. The meeting was hybrid with physical participants at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro and at University of Saksenburg, Canada alongside virtual participants.

Participants at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Nigeria, actively participated in meaningful discussions regarding the implementation of the National Mental Health Act (NMHA) 2021, underscoring the necessity of bridging the gap between legislative intent and actual action in order to improve mental health care throughout the nation. Despite the significant challenges that remain, the colloquium recognized the significant strides that have been made since the NMHA 2021 was assented to by the former President..

Concerned about the Act’s stagnation in execution, participants called for renewed commitment and collaboration to facilitate the Acts’ long-overdue implementation.

The Recommendations:

• Advocate for the establishment of a Department of Mental Health within the Federal Ministry of Health to oversee and coordinate mental health initiatives as contained the Act.

 

• Advocate for the domestication of the NMHA 2021 by state administrations, ensuring that it is suitable for the local context and requirements.

 

• Engage in comprehensive public awareness campaigns to educate the public about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote the understanding of the Act.

 

• Advocate for funding for the establishment and enhancement of mental health infrastructure to guarantee that facilities are capable of providing high-quality treatment.

 

• To facilitate the implementation of mental health services, advocate for increased budgetary allocations at both the federal and state levels.

 

• Develop and implement training programs for healthcare providers, legal practitioners, law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders to enhance their competence in implementing the NMHA 2021 mental health service delivery process.

 

• Establish partnerships with media organizations, prominent media figures, social media influencers and civil society groups to effectively engage the community and amplify mental health advocacy.

 

• Establish comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks to assess the implementation of the National Mental Health Act (NMHA) 2021 and implement any necessary modifications.

 

• Engage in advocacy and seek the support of political leaders and industry captains in enhancing public awareness and the implementation of the National Mental Health Act, ultimately contributing to better mental health outcomes for the community.

The colloquium concluded with a unanimous commitment from all stakeholders to work together to transform the NMHA from a legislative framework to a functional reality that enhances the well-being of individuals with mental health conditions in Nigeria.

 

 

MD, LLM, AG Ahmed

MH&L Colloquium 2025