At least 20 percent of Nigerians, about 40 million people are battling various forms of mental illness, according to the World Health Organisation, WHO.

The Young African Leaders Initiative, YALI, has therefore urged state governments to domesticate the National Mental Health Act 2021 to improve access to mental health services and protect the rights of affected citizens.

Speaking during a virtual sensitisation and advocacy programme held to mark this year’s World Mental Health Day, the President of the YALI RLC Alumni Association Nigeria, Dr Ajanson Peter, said the failure of states to domesticate the law continues to endanger the lives of millions suffering from mental health disorders.

He lamented that many Nigerians facing mental health challenges are subjected to discrimination and rights violations due to inadequate legal and institutional protection.

Quoting WHO data, Ajanson said, “The organisation estimates that 20 percent of Nigerians, or around 40 million people, are affected by mental illness.

Some of the most prevalent conditions include depression and anxiety disorders. In 2017 alone, about 7 million Nigerians (3.9% of the population) had depressive disorders, while 4.9 million (2.7%) suffered from anxiety disorders.”

YALI called on governments, donors, and humanitarian partners to prioritise investments in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), warning that neglecting mental health would undermine broader humanitarian efforts in health, education, nutrition, and livelihoods.

“With sufficient resources and commitment, mental health care can reach people even in the most difficult circumstances,” Ajanson said, commending the Federal Government for passing the National Mental Health Act (2021), introducing a National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework (2023–2030), and adopting the National Mental Health Policy (2023).

He, however, noted that “there is still much more work to be done” to ensure implementation at the state level.

Also speaking, psychologist and mental health expert, Yetunde Awobode, urged Nigerians to show compassion toward those struggling with mental illness and to stop stigmatising patients.

Similarly, Tezzy Ilozue, a psychotherapist and relationship counsellor, raised awareness about postpartum depression, stressing the need for husbands and family members to support women emotionally after childbirth.

Over 40M Nigerians suffer mental illness — YALI tasks states to domesticate Act