BUHARI ENACTS THE MENTAL HEALTH BILL.

The harmonised Mental Health Bill has been signed into law by the president, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retired).

The Lunacy Act of 1958 will be replaced by the Bill, which was harmonized by the Senate and House of Representatives in 2021.

Prof. Taiwo Obindo, President of the Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria, who confirmed the signing, called it a huge relief for the nation’s mental health practice and care.

“Over two decades of work by the Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria has finally resulted in the Act/Law on Mental Health Governance, and we are now a part of the global space with best global practice,”

Prof Taiwo Shielk, a former president of the APN, also thanked God for the signing of the Mental Health Bill into law by the President.

“Our profound gratitude to Senator Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Senator Ahmad Abubakar, Dr. Ibrahim Gambari, CBM International, Johnson & Johnson, and all our partners,” Shielk said. We finally made it after several attempts, thanks to His Grace.”

The Lunacy Act of 1958, which practitioners regard as outdated and inhumane, will be rendered ineffective by the new law.

The National Mental Health Bill includes provisions such as the establishment of a Department of Mental Health Services within the Federal Ministry of Health and the creation of a Mental Health Fund.