Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has called for collective responsibility and deeper collaboration between lawmakers, professional bodies, institutions, and individuals to address the growing mental health crisis in Nigeria.
Speaking as Chairman at the Seventh Public Lecture of the Board of Fellows, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), held in Lagos, Obasa described mental health as both a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of national development.
Themed “Mental Health: A Basic Human Right Crucial to Personal, Community, and Socio-Economic Development,” the event brought together key stakeholders from the health and legislative sectors to spotlight mental health as a national priority.
“We live in a time where mental health is increasingly a public concern,” Obasa said. “Globally, mental health disorders are on the rise — and Nigeria is not exempt.”
He explained that mental health underpins productivity, stability, and economic growth, warning that any society with a high burden of mental illness is at risk of stagnation.
“For our nation to thrive, we need citizens who are mentally sound and able to contribute meaningfully to development,” he stressed. “We must integrate mental health into our public health agenda and create a system where care is accessible and stigma-free.”
Obasa also highlighted the Lagos State Mental Health Law of 2018, passed under his leadership, which prioritizes patient rights, access to care, and integration of mental health into primary health systems.
However, he noted that professional bodies, including the PSN, must work more closely with lawmakers to effect change through advocacy, public engagement, and stronger mental health policy frameworks.
“We must advocate for policies that combat stigma and promote mental well-being. Together, we can ensure mental health is treated as the basic human right it truly is,” Obasa declared.
Also speaking at the event, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.), Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), linked the rise in mental health disorders to substance abuse and counterfeit drugs. He described mental health as “a neglected pillar of public health,” urging pharmacists to intensify awareness campaigns and community sensitisation.
Earlier, Pharm. Uche Akpakama, Chairman, Board of Fellows, PSN, painted a stark picture of Nigeria’s mental health landscape, citing data that over a quarter of Nigerians suffer from mental health conditions driven by poverty, displacement, insecurity, and joblessness.
He expressed hope that the lecture would foster practical strategies to reposition mental health in Nigeria’s health discourse and define the role of pharmacists and other professionals in tackling the crisis.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri, a Consultant Psychiatrist, said it was time to shift focus from reactive care to prevention and mental health promotion.
“The priority now is to promote mental well-being for all and ensure those with disorders receive support to live fulfilling lives,” she said.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Pharm. Gbenga Falabi, noted that the public lecture provides a platform for policy dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and building momentum for mental health awareness and systemic reforms.
As the event concluded, participants agreed that improving Nigeria’s mental health outcomes requires a united front, inter-sectoral synergy, and the political will to make mental wellness a national imperative.