Lagos: Mental health experts have raised an alarm over Nigeria’s widening treatment gap, warning that more than 85 per cent of citizens with mental health conditions are unable to access appropriate care.
The practitioners stressed that deliberate investment in the health sector—particularly mental health—is urgently needed to promote the overall well‑being of Nigerians.
High Cost of Care
Immediate past President of the Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria (APN), Prof. Taiwo Obindo, described the situation as dire. He noted that the cost of care has “gone astronomically high,” with drug prices tripling or quadrupling, making treatment unaffordable for many.
Obindo lamented the exodus of health professionals, popularly referred to as “japa”, which has left the few remaining practitioners overstretched. He added that stigma and discrimination against people with mental illness remain pervasive, with their rights often infringed upon.
“The budgetary allocation to health and, by extension, mental health is abysmally poor,” he said, warning that poor remuneration compared to peers abroad continues to fuel the migration of mental health professionals, who are in high demand globally.
The Pressure of High Inflation
High inflation has compounded the crisis, pushing healthcare and drug costs beyond the reach of the average Nigerian. Obindo argued that without stronger government commitment, the mental health gap will continue to widen.
He urged the Federal Government to increase health sector funding, implement the Abuja Declaration of 2001, which recommended at least 15 per cent of national budgets for health, and fully enforce the National Mental Health Act of 2021. He also called for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide, saying it would give hope to those struggling with mental health challenges.
The Need For Reform
Current APN President, Dr. Veronica Nyamali, emphasized the need to domesticate the Mental Health Act at the state and local government levels to ensure services reach communities nationwide.
She urged the restructuring of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to expand coverage and reduce out‑of‑pocket payments, allowing Nigerians to pay no more than 10 per cent of medical bills as stipulated.
Nyamali also advocated the full integration of mental health services into primary healthcare, saying this would enhance access, reduce stigma, and encourage more people to seek help.
Outlook
With over 85 per cent of Nigerians unable to access appropriate mental health care, experts warn that the country faces a deepening public health crisis.
The policy implications are significant, as increased government funding, robust implementation of existing mental health legislation such as the National Mental Health Act of 2021, and comprehensive reforms to both health insurance coverage and service integration are essential to closing the treatment gap.
Without these concerted policy actions at federal, state, and local government levels, millions will continue to lack access to necessary support, perpetuating both health inequities and broader social and economic challenges.