Governments and civil society groups across Nigeria and West Africa are intensifying efforts to reform mental health care systems amid rising awareness, persistent stigma, and severe shortages of trained professionals.
In Nigeria, recent policy actions signal a shift toward stronger mental health governance. The implementation of the National Mental Health Act, 2021, alongside the revised National Mental Health Policy, 2023, has established a legal framework aimed at improving access to care, protecting patients’ rights, and integrating mental health into the broader health system.
“This legislation represents a turning point for mental health in Nigeria,” a senior public health official familiar with the policy said. “For the first time, mental health is being treated as a rights-based public health issue rather than a moral or criminal concern.”
A major reform currently underway is the proposed decriminalization of attempted suicide. A national task force inaugurated in 2024 is in advanced stages of drafting a bill that would repeal laws criminalizing suicide attempts—an approach mental health advocates say deters people from seeking timely care.
“Criminalizing suicide attempts only deepens fear and silence,” a mental health advocate involved in policy consultations said. “Decriminalization is essential if we truly want people in distress to seek help without the fear of punishment.”
Health authorities are also working to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), a move intended to reduce out-of-pocket payments and expand access to care.
“Mental health services must be available at the same level as other essential health services,” a health systems expert said. “Integration into primary care and health insurance is critical for closing Nigeria’s mental health treatment gap.”
Despite these reforms, Nigeria continues to face significant challenges. Experts estimate that nearly 30 percent of Nigerians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, with anxiety and depression being the most prevalent. However, more than 80 percent of those affected do not receive treatment, largely due to stigma and limited service availability.
The country also faces a critical shortage of mental health professionals. Nigeria has fewer than 300 psychiatrists serving a population of over 200 million people, most of whom are based in urban centres.
“We cannot talk about access without addressing the workforce crisis,” a psychiatrist based in Abuja said. “Rural and conflict-affected communities remain largely excluded from mental health care.”
In northern Nigeria, where insecurity and displacement persist, humanitarian organizations such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) are integrating mental health and psychosocial support into physical health interventions, including nutrition programmes for children with severe acute malnutrition.
“Mental health support is not optional in humanitarian settings,” an MSF field coordinator said. “Psychological distress often worsens physical illness, especially among displaced populations.”
Across West Africa, attitudes toward mental health are slowly changing. Community-led awareness campaigns and faith-based initiatives are helping to challenge harmful stereotypes and normalize conversations around emotional wellbeing.
“When trusted community and religious leaders speak openly about mental health, it reduces fear and stigma,” a regional mental health researcher noted. “This grassroots engagement is proving to be a powerful tool for change.”
Regional data highlights the scale of the problem. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) dashboard, approximately 150 million people in the African region live with mental health conditions, while access to care remains severely limited.
To strengthen evidence-based responses, initiatives such as the Mental Health Data Prize – Africa are promoting the use of existing data to inform policy decisions and improve service delivery.
“Data is critical for understanding where the gaps are and what interventions work,” a WHO-affiliated analyst said. “Without reliable data, mental health planning remains guesswork.”
Stakeholders say sustained collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, non-governmental organizations, and communities will be key to ensuring that ongoing reforms translate into meaningful, accessible mental health care across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
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