Health
16 months after presidential assent, FG yet to establish mental health dept
By Francesca Hangeior.
On January 5, 2023, former President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) signed the Mental Health Bill 2021 into law, replacing the outdated Lunacy Act of 1958.
However, 16 months after, the Federal Government has yet to establish a Department of Mental Health Services in the Federal Ministry of Health, reports have revealed.
The National Mental Health Act 2021 allows for the establishment of a Department of Mental Health Services in the Federal Ministry of Health, to propose national health policies and facilitate their approval and implementation.
It also allows for the support of advanced mental health, provides healthcare services, and ensures humane care and rehabilitation in the most permissive setting.
The bill also promotes culturally appropriate, affordable, and accessible mental health care.
Experts say without the establishment of the department, Nigeria is still operating under the Lunacy Act, as the aim of the Mental Health Act 2021 can only be achieved through effective implementation.
Confirming the findings, the President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Professor Taiwo Obindo, said the FMoH was meant to establish the department, adding that nothing had been done.
He also said that the government had yet to establish the National Mental Health Fund.
Obindo added, “Though there was a roadmap that was outlined by the programme, nothing concrete had been done. The National Review Committee is meant to look after those who want to establish mental health facilities.
“They are meant to accredit them and re-accredit them; they are meant to ensure that the already established facilities meet the minimum requirements before they are permitted to function.
“For every facility that is going to be established, there are requirements. So, if the department is not established, we continue to have all these charlatans occupying the space, offering mental health services, and then impinging on the rights of people who have mental health conditions.
“That is meant for the establishment of the National Mental Health Fund, and that is meant to assist all these activities. We know that for 2024, we may not have an allocation because it wasn’t done before now. But then, opportunities are bound for philanthropists, corporate organisations, and individuals to plunge into it.”
He stated that without the establishment of the department and allocation of funds for mental health, the rights of individuals with mental health conditions will continue to be infringed upon.
“It’s like we’re still running the Lunacy Act. The Mental Health Services Department is meant to be an autonomous department with a budget line, not a unit or a programme under another department.
“Some countries even have a Ministry of Mental Health; these are countries that understand the importance and the impact of mental health in the life of every citizen. We need the government to do the needful,” he said.
Also, a consultant psychiatrist and Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye, said the establishment of the department will help in the implementation of the act.
He said, “We are asking for the department to enable us to operate the act, but the Federal Ministry of Health is doing everything possible now to establish the department. They have a unit for the mental health programme which is a precursor to the establishment of the mental health department.
“I am hopeful that the department will be ready this year for the country to operate the act so that people can benefit from it. The ministry is working day and night to float it and ensure the department is established.
When contacted, the National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Tunde Ojo, requested that a text message be sent to him on the matter.
He has yet to respond to the text message sent to him as of the time of filing this report.
In a bold move to tackle the growing shortage of medical professionals, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved a significant salary increase for doctors across the state, alongside a new tax-free allowance for house officers.
The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, during a press briefing, where he revealed that entry-level doctors will now earn ₦570,000 monthly, up from the previous ₦370,000.
House officers are also set to benefit, with their earnings rising from just over ₦250,000 to above ₦350,000, boosted by a newly introduced ₦100,000 tax-free “MORE Special Allowance.”
Why the Pay Raise?
According to the commissioner, the decision was driven by concerns over the low turnout of doctors in the state’s ongoing recruitment exercise.
Despite receiving over 6,000 applications for more than 700 health worker positions, the number of qualified doctors who showed up fell short of expectations—raising alarm over staffing gaps in the healthcare system.
Government’s Strategy
The state government believes the improved salary structure will:
Attract more qualified doctors
Retain existing medical professionals
Strengthen healthcare delivery across Delta State
Joseph Onojaeme also reassured the public that the recruitment process will remain strictly merit-based, stressing that no form of payment or favoritism will be tolerated.
Big Picture
With Nigeria facing an ongoing brain drain in the medical sector, Delta State’s move is seen as a strategic attempt to compete with better-paying opportunities abroad and in the private sector.
If successful, this could set a precedent for other states struggling to keep their healthcare workforce intact.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has declared an indefinite nationwide strike beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, citing what it described as the Federal Government’s plan to halt the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table, a key component of agreements reached after its 2025 industrial action.
The decision, which threatens to disrupt healthcare services across public hospitals in Nigeria, was reached at the end of the association’s virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on Saturday.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, NARD National President, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, described the development as “unfortunate,” blaming the Federal Government of Nigeria for pushing doctors toward another industrial action.
“The National Executive Council was informed about the Federal Government’s decision to remove the Professional Allowance Table, a development deemed unfortunate,” he said.
“Following extensive deliberations, the NEC resolved to embark on a total industrial and comprehensive strike beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.”
The crisis stems from the implementation of a revised Professional Allowance Table negotiated between NARD and the Federal Government following a prolonged strike in 2025. The agreement included improved remuneration packages for resident doctors, covering call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and non-clinical duty payments.
Although implementation was initially scheduled to commence in January 2026, delays pushed the rollout to February. However, NARD alleged that the government is now planning to discontinue the process by April, a move the association says undermines trust and violates prior agreements.
Healthcare analysts note that disputes over allowances and welfare have been a recurring issue in Nigeria’s health sector, contributing to frequent strikes by medical unions, including the Nigerian Medical Association. These disruptions often reduce access to healthcare services, particularly in public hospitals that cater to the majority of Nigerians.
Outlining the association’s demands, Ibrahim called for the immediate reversal of the government’s decision and settlement of all outstanding entitlements.
“We demand the reversal of the decision to cease the implementation of the PAT starting in April 2026,” he said.
“There must be immediate payment of promotion arrears and salary arrears in affected centres, as well as the prompt conclusion of the process of paying the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.”
“We also insist on the immediate processing and payment of the outstanding 19 months’ arrears of the Professional Allowance.”
He further urged members of the association nationwide to remain united.
“The NARD leadership calls on its members to unite in the fight against this injustice and to pursue it to a logical conclusion,” Ibrahim added.
The planned strike raises concerns about the potential impact on Nigeria’s already strained health system. Resident doctors form the backbone of service delivery in tertiary hospitals, handling a large proportion of patient care.
According to health sector data, Nigeria faces a severe shortage of medical personnel, with doctor-to-patient ratios far below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended standard of one doctor to 600 patients. Estimates suggest Nigeria’s ratio is closer to one doctor per 5,000 patients, particularly in underserved areas.
An indefinite strike could lead to the shutdown of outpatient services, delays in surgeries, and increased pressure on private healthcare facilities, raising concerns among patients and health advocates.
Stakeholders have called for urgent intervention to avert another disruption in the health sector, warning that repeated strikes could worsen the ongoing brain drain among Nigerian doctors seeking better working conditions abroad.
As the strike deadline approaches, attention is now on the Federal Government to engage with NARD and resolve the dispute, with millions of Nigerians potentially affected if negotiations fail.
By Gloria Ikibah
The European Union has announced a major upgrade in its relationship with Nigeria, unveiling a €290 million investment package aimed at boosting key sectors including digitalisation, healthcare, agriculture and migration management.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the Eighth Ministerial Dialogue in Abuja, co-chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
The funding, part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, will support seven new projects designed to strengthen economic cooperation and reflect what both parties described as a renewed political commitment to deeper bilateral ties.
Speaking at the event, Ms Kallas said: “In the current
geopolitical context, the European Union is keen to enhance its partnership with Nigeria. Bringing more EU investment to Nigeria, aligning with the Renewed Hope agenda for the Nigerian Federal Government is a key priority for both sides in this regard”.
EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, stating: “Together with Nigeria, we are investing in the modernisation of the digital sector, a stronger health system and in the development of agriculture. These Global Gateway investments create new quality infrastructures, sustainable jobs and long-term economic opportunities that benefit the Nigerian people, but also create new opportunities for Europe”.
A significant portion of the package — €131 million — is earmarked for digital development. The funding will support the expansion of broadband infrastructure, including the rollout of 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable, aimed at improving connectivity and reducing internet costs for millions of Nigerians currently without access. It will also fund the development of secure digital public systems and support large-scale training initiatives under Nigeria’s technical talent programme.
In the health sector, €55 million has been allocated to boost local pharmaceutical production. Through a new credit line backed by the European Investment Bank, Nigerian companies will gain access to preferential loans to support the manufacturing of medicines and vaccines. The initiative will also include vocational training programmes to build expertise within the workforce.
Agriculture is set to receive €86 million in additional support, focusing on cocoa and dairy value chains. The funding will facilitate access to finance for businesses and smallholder farmers, while also promoting climate-smart agricultural practices. The move aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to expand milk production and strengthen its cocoa exports to European markets.
Meanwhile, €16 million has been dedicated to migration-related initiatives. The funds will support the reintegration of returning migrants and enhance efforts to combat human trafficking and smuggling networks. The EU says it will continue to assist stranded migrants wishing to return home voluntarily, while also strengthening support systems to help them rebuild their lives.
The latest commitments add to existing EU-backed projects in Nigeria, including investments in transport infrastructure in Lagos, renewable energy development, democratic governance, and efforts to combat gender-based violence.
With these new agreements, total EU and Team Europe commitments to Nigeria since 2025 now stand at €962.5 million, underscoring what officials describe as a rapidly evolving and increasingly strategic partnership.
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