By Jude Opara
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has advocated for increased attention to mental healthcare, stronger advocacy against discrimination and the full implementation of Nigeria’s National Mental Health Act, adding that people living with mental health conditions must not be subjected to abuse, neglect or segregated against.
The NHRC called for a coordinated national response to mental health challenges, including improved access to professional care, stronger health insurance coverage and expanded community-based services across the country.
Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu made the call on Monday, in Abuja while addressing a world press conference and stakeholders to commemorate the 2026 World Mental Health Day.
Ojukwu noted that mental health was not merely a medical issue but also a fundamental human rights issue, adding that people experiencing mental health challenges deserve dignity, respect and compassionate care without stigma or discrimination.
Citing Article 16 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the NHRC boss explained that the Charter recognises the right of every individual to enjoy the best attainable state of physical and mental health, and places an obligation on governments to take necessary measures to protect public health.
According to him, Nigeria has taken some important legislative and policy steps through the National Mental Health Act, 2021, the National Mental Health Policy and the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework.
Ojukwu stated that the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates indicate that nearly one in seven people globally lives with a mental disorder, while many who require treatment do not receive effective care.
The NHRC boss expressed concern over the limited availability of affordable mental healthcare in Nigeria, adding that inadequate insurance coverage and the cost of treatment continued to place significant burdens on affected individuals and their families.
“A mental-health condition does not reduce a person’s worth, dignity or human rights,” he maintained.
He added that the Commission’s Vulnerable Group Department (VGD) had strengthened its focus on populations requiring additional protection, including people experiencing mental health challenges.
He also cited interventions in Kano State involving children and adults subjected to solitary confinement, who were subsequently moved to a welfare facility following the Commission’s intervention, and that the Commission had recently rescued a child from a woman living in extremely distressing and inhuman conditions in the Federal Capital Territory in circumstances linked to her mental state.
Similarly, a mental health and addiction recovery expert, Dr. James Komolafe, representing SABA Resources Intervention Hub, called for practical, behaviour-focused interventions to address the underlying factors contributing to human violence.
Komolafe who was speaking during a lecture on the anatomy of human violence, urged the NHRC to strengthen collaboration with its Human Rights Institute and Vulnerable Groups Department to develop frameworks for identifying behavioural risks, assessing vulnerabilities and providing appropriate interventions.
He stressed that violence should not be understood solely in terms of physical attacks, adding that the thoughts, emotions, attitudes and behavioural patterns preceding harmful actions also deserve attention.
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