The Silent Pandemic: Legislative Reforms to Protect Nigerian Minds During COVID-19

Presently, the mental health field is governed by the Lunacy Act of 1958, legislation that dates back to Nigeria’s colonial era. To date, no democratically elected civilian administration has enacted a law focused on protecting mental health.  The National Assembly is currently reviewing new mental health legislation. This provides a rare opportunity to strengthen the capacity and regulatory environment for those who experience mental health distress in the wake of COVID-19.

To ensure the bill guarantees quality care and does not perpetuate the stigmatization of mental health, a number of amendments should be made so it adequately supports public health emergencies and persons with disabilities (PWDs). It is also critical that the law is reformed to uphold international accords Nigeria has acceded to.

Nigeria also ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UN CRPD) in 2007 and its Optional Protocol in 2010, affirming the full inclusion and participation of people with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities.