Niger State Government has recognized the integration of mental healthcare into primary health centres as a precedence, amid considerations that current health facility data don’t totally seize the dimensions of psychological misery throughout the state.
The state authorities additionally recognized insecurity, displacement, household difficulties and substance-related issues as components contributing to mental health challenges in communities.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Murtala Muhammad Bagana, disclosed this by way of the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Abdullahi Imam, throughout a briefing to mark the 2026 World Mental Health Day.
Bagana noticed that integrating mental healthcare into primary healthcare providers would convey primary assessments, counselling and referral providers nearer to residents, notably these with restricted entry to specialist services.
He stated, “Integrating mental healthcare into primary healthcare services will bring basic assessment, counselling and referral services closer to our people, especially those who have limited access to specialist facilities.”
The commissioner acknowledged that the state wanted extra dependable information to find out the extent of mental health challenges, noting that current facility data and programme targets didn’t present an entire image.
According to him, “We want extra dependable information to grasp the dimensions of mental health challenges in Niger State. Existing facility data and programme targets don’t give us the entire image.”
He stated mental health providers had been documented on the State Social Rehabilitation Centre and the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, whereas the federal government was working to strengthen routine reporting and community-level assessments.
Bagana recognized insecurity, displacement, household difficulties and substance-related issues as components contributing to psychological misery, warning that the consequences might lengthen to households, faculties, workplaces and communities.
He additionally confused that increasing entry to care would require sufficient funding, educated personnel, important medicines the place clinically indicated and purposeful referral programs.
“We must invest in trained mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers and counsellors, if we are to improve access to appropriate care,” he stated.
The commissioner urged residents to reject stigmatisation and discrimination towards folks experiencing mental health circumstances, calling for higher compassion and help for these in search of skilled assist.
He stated the 2026 World Mental Health Day theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” highlighted the necessity to make sure that the experiences of individuals residing with mental health circumstances knowledgeable insurance policies and programmes affecting their well-being.
Bagana known as for stronger collaboration amongst faculties, conventional and spiritual leaders, civil society organisations, growth companions and households to enhance consciousness and entry to mental healthcare.
He defined that the state’s dedication was aligned with the National Mental Health Act, the National Mental Health Policy 2023 and the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023–2030.
The commissioner then urged stakeholders to help sustained public training and collective motion to make sure that folks residing with mental health circumstances acquired well timed, dignified and applicable care.
