By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi
The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC has raised concerns over Nigeria’s growing mental health crisis, revealing that fewer than three per cent of Nigerians living with mental health conditions are covered by health insurance.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 World Mental Health Day, calling for increased funding, accessible treatment and full implementation of mental health laws.
Ojukwu described mental health as a fundamental human rights issue, noting that despite legislative and policy reforms; many affected Nigerians continue to face stigma, discrimination, neglect and exclusion from education, employment and community life.
He said the situation was particularly severe in conflict-affected and humanitarian settings, where violence, displacement and insecurity had worsened psychological trauma among vulnerable populations.
“The scale of Nigeria’s mental-health challenges requires a strong and coordinated national response,” he said.
The NHRC boss urged the Federal Government to expand health insurance coverage, invest in community-based services and deploy more mental health professionals across the country.
He noted that Nigeria had established a legal framework through the National Mental Health Act and other policy instruments, stressing that effective implementation was essential to improving access to care.
Ojukwu disclosed that the Commission had established a counselling unit at its headquarters to provide psychosocial support for victims of human rights violations and staff handling traumatic cases.
He also cited interventions involving persons with psychosocial disabilities in Kano State, where children and adults held in solitary confinement were rescued and transferred to welfare facilities.
Ojukwu urged religious leaders, traditional institutions, schools, workplaces and community groups to combat stigma and encourage professional treatment. He also called on media organisations to avoid sensational reporting that reinforces harmful stereotypes.
“As we commemorate World Mental Health Day 2026, the National Human Rights Commission calls for mental health to be treated as a human rights and development priority in Nigeria,” he said.
He stressed that no Nigerian should be denied dignity, support or access to care because of a mental health condition.
