The Convener of the Nigerian Mental Health Summit, Dr Oluyinka Oyeniji, has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s mental healthcare system, stressing the need for inclusive policies, stronger national coordination and the protection of the rights of people living with mental health conditions.
Oyeniji made the call at the maiden Nigerian Mental Health Summit held virtually on Saturday to commemorate the 2026 World Mental Health Day.
Speaking on the theme, “Bringing a Season of Positive Change in the Nigerian Mental Health Journey,” he described the reported move to decriminalise attempted suicide as a significant development in Nigeria’s mental health advocacy, following more than 14 years of sustained calls for reform.
According to him, the country needs a coordinated approach that places the experiences of patients, caregivers, families and other affected persons at the centre of mental healthcare policies.
He said, “At the Nigerian Mental Health Summit, we are primed towards ensuring that we all stand together to address challenges of coordinating a common national approach, that is inclusive in nature and reflects diversities of our heritage.”
Oyeniji noted that mental health challenges affect not only individuals diagnosed with mental health conditions but also their families, friends and caregivers, who often bear significant emotional and psychological burdens.
He identified the experiences of mothers affected by perinatal mental health conditions, parents caring for children with developmental and neurological conditions, and family members supporting relatives with depression as important perspectives that should shape mental healthcare delivery.
The convener also called for stronger legislative and institutional frameworks to improve mental health services across the country.
He acknowledged ongoing advocacy for the establishment of a Mental Health Commission at the federal level, commending Damilola Seriki and Babajide Balogun for their contributions to public and civil society engagement on the initiative.
He added that Lagos and Ekiti states had enacted mental health laws, while the federal Nigeria Mental Health Act, 2023, was undergoing amendments under the present administration.
The summit featured a keynote address by the National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme, Dr Tunde Ojo, titled “Transforming Mental Health Landscape in Nigeria: Legislative and Policy Imperative.”
Other speakers examined the mental health challenges confronting Nigerians living abroad and the importance of incorporating lived experiences into mental healthcare policies.
A registered clinical social worker in Alberta, Canada, and founder of Twin Ocean, Kehinde Ekpudu, spoke on “Beyond Survival: Nigerian Immigrant Mental Health: Lived Experiences, Identity and the Brain.”
Ololade Sanusi, a mother, corporate governance expert and mental health coach, delivered a presentation titled “Beyond Being Strong: Why Lived Experiences Must Shape Mental Healthcare in Nigeria.”
Oyeniji also highlighted the relationship between mental health, human rights, environmental justice, climate change and insecurity, arguing that the psychological consequences of violence and trauma should be considered in national responses to security challenges.
He commended the Human Rights Foundation, led by Victor Fakunle, for its work on fundamental human rights, as well as Philip Jakpor of the Renevlyn Development Initiative for supporting public enlightenment campaigns on environmental justice.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the Ladoke Akintola Neuroscience Group, led by Dr Olufunto Adeleye, and the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria to research and advocacy on brain-related conditions.
The convener urged stakeholders to ensure that discussions at the summit translated into practical interventions capable of improving mental healthcare and reducing stigma.
The 2026 World Mental Health Day theme was “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.” Oyeniji said the summit provided an opportunity to amplify the voices of affected persons and encourage reforms that would improve the wellbeing of Nigerians.
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