The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to making mental health services accessible, equitable, and affordable for all Nigerians, as part of efforts to strengthen the nation’s response to mental health challenges and emergencies.
Speaking recently in Abuja at the Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate the 2025 World Mental Health Day, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, represented by Tetshoma Dafeta, Director Human Resource Management Department of the Ministry, reaffirmed the government’s resolve to integrate mental health into the national health system and provide financial protection for those affected.
According to Professor Pate, the government is prioritizing mental health as a critical component of national well-being, noting that “there is no health without mental health.”
He stated that most Nigerians currently pay out of pocket for mental health services, a situation the government is determined to change.
“Following the last National Dialogue on Mental Health, financing for mental health was on the front burner. We are now working to ensure financial protection for people with mental health conditions,” Pate said.
The Minister noted that the government has taken bold steps to strengthen Nigeria’s mental health system, including the implementation of the National Mental Health Act 2021, the revised National Mental Health Policy 2023, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework (2023–2030).
He also disclosed that the process of decriminalizing attempted suicide, which began with the inauguration of a national task force in 2024, has reached an advanced stage.
This year’s World Mental Health Day, themed “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” focuses on improving access to mental health services during crises such as conflicts, disasters, and pandemics. The Coordinating Minister emphasized that mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) are vital in mitigating the psychological toll of emergencies.
He highlighted that over one billion people globally live with mental health conditions, with one in five affected in humanitarian emergencies. In Nigeria, people in conflict zones and displaced persons suffer from depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse, yet stigma continues to hinder care-seeking.
“Addressing mental health is not only about healing; it’s about rebuilding our society and economy,” he said. “When people are mentally healthy, they can work, care for their families, and contribute to national development. Mental health is not a luxury, it is a fundamental human right.”
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom mni, represented by Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, Director Hospital Services Department of the Ministry; reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to advancing mental health access across all levels of care, emphasizing that emergencies, whether economic, environmental, or health-related, require comprehensive mental health responses.
“I wish to sincerely thank our partners — the UN agencies , International NGOs, NGOs, CSOs, our sister MDAs and professional bodies for their continued collaboration and support”; the Permanent Secretary stated.
In his goodwill message, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Pavel Ursu, represented by Dr. Mary Dewan, commended the Federal Ministry of Health for its leadership in strengthening Nigeria’s mental health system. He revealed that WHO has been supporting the integration of mental health services into primary and secondary health care, particularly in conflict-affected states like Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.
“Emergencies leave lasting psychological scars. One in five affected persons will face a mental health condition requiring professional care,” Dr. Ursu said, urging continued investment and integration of MHPSS into emergency preparedness and response.
Similarly, Mr. Abdulazeez Musa, Country Director of CBM Global Nigeria, lauded the Federal Government’s efforts, particularly the collaboration on the National Task Force for the Decriminalization of Attempted Suicide and the integration of mental health into national emergency frameworks.
“Your leadership inspires our work and reinforces the importance of partnership in achieving health equity,” Musa said.
As Nigeria joins the global community in commemorating the 2025 World Mental Health Day, the Federal Government called on all stakeholders, healthcare professionals, civil society, the private sector, and the media to play their part in dismantling stigma, expanding access, and building a society where mental health is prioritized and protected for all.
Signed
Alaba Balogun
Head, Information &
Public Relations
14 October 2025
