The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) has raised an alarm over the severe shortage of mental health practitioners in the country, with fewer than 200 psychiatrists catering to over 200 million Nigerians.
Speaking at the 55th Annual General Conference and Scientific Meeting of the APN in Ilorin, the association’s President, Prof. Taiwo Obindo, highlighted the challenges posed by the “japa syndrome,” which has led to a significant brain drain in the mental health sector.
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“The remaining mental health practitioners are overworked and poorly remunerated. We must stem and reverse this trend to safeguard the mental health of Nigerians,” he said.
Obindo called for greater prioritization of mental health by the government, citing the need for dedicated infrastructure similar to Canada’s Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions. “Mental health in Nigeria is still a programme under the Department of Public Health in the Federal Ministry of Health,” he noted.
He also criticized the country’s health budget allocation, which is less than 6% of the national budget, falling far short of the 15% target set by the Abuja Declaration in 2001.
The APN president commended the establishment of the Mental Health Act of 2021, which replaced the outdated Lunacy Act of 1958, but emphasized the importance of its implementation to advance mental health care in the country.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Owoidoho Udofia of the University of Calabar revealed that 12% of Nigerians suffer from mental and behavioral disorders. He urged for better diagnostic practices, pointing out that cultural biases and limited awareness hinder the identification of mental illnesses.
“Mental illness is not restricted to schizophrenia and psychosis. Substance abuse rates are high, and there is a need for improved research and diagnostic rates,” he said.
Udofia also dispelled outdated colonial views that Africans are less likely to experience depression, urging a shift in perception and treatment approaches.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Amina El-Imam, the Kwara State Commissioner for Health, stressed the need to combat the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Represented by Dr. Musiliu Odunaiya, El-Imam urged psychiatrists to conduct more public awareness campaigns to educate the populace and reduce the myths surrounding mental health.
Prof. Peter Ajiboye, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, stated that the theme of the conference, “Prioritising Mental Health Needs of Nigeria in a Depressed Economy: An Urgent Call for Integrated, Comprehensive, and Sustainable Interventions,” reflects the critical need for tailored solutions to address the country’s mental health challenges.
