‘Newly signed mental health law will address policy gaps’

A health advocacy civil society organisation (CSO), CBM Global Disability Inclusion, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the National Assembly for the passage and subsequent signing into law of the National Mental Health Bill 2021.

In a statement on Monday, CBM Country Director, Ms. Umoh Ekaete, described the signing of the bill into law by the president as historic in the struggle to ensure the protection of the rights of people with mental health issues in Nigeria.

She said, “The law comes at no better time than now when more Nigerians are experiencing mental health issues aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising economic and security challenges, as it provides the framework for addressing mental health policy gaps and improving services.

“It is noteworthy that the signing of the Bill into law does not automatically translate to rights for Nigerians. The law must be fully implemented so that Nigerians and persons with psychosocial disabilities can enjoy their human rights.”

Ekaete explained that the new legislation aimed at prohibiting all kinds of discrimination in housing, employment and healthcare services among other social services.

She further emphasised that it will also help in expanding coverage, eliminating forced and questionable therapy, seclusion as well as other types of confinement in facilities housing mental health persons.

The Mental Health Bill 2021 was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari after two failed attempts in 2003 and 2013.

The bill was harmonised by the Senate and the House of Representatives in 2021.

It is the first reform in the field of mental health since Nigeria’s independence which will replace the Lunacy Act of 1958.