The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has warned of widespread mental health neglect in Nigeria, citing that less than 3% of the population has access to insurance coverage for mental health care. The commission issued the statement from Abuja, emphasizing the lack of adequate support for Nigerians suffering from mental health conditions.
The NHRC report indicates that mental health services remain severely underfunded and inaccessible to most Nigerians. Despite growing awareness of mental health issues, the commission says the government has not prioritized the provision of insurance coverage for such conditions. This has left many individuals without the financial means to seek treatment.
Mental health challenges in Nigeria have long been overlooked, with limited resources and infrastructure dedicated to addressing psychological and emotional well-being. The NHRC’s findings align with global trends showing that mental health care is often deprioritized in low-income countries. The commission is calling for urgent action to improve access to care and ensure that mental health is treated as a critical public health issue.
