Niger State Government has recognized the integration of mental healthcare into primary health centres as a precedence, amid considerations that present 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 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 fundamental assessments, counselling and referral providers nearer to residents, significantly these with restricted entry to specialist amenities.
He mentioned, “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 knowledge to find out the extent of mental health challenges, noting that present facility data and programme targets didn’t present a whole image.
According to him, “We want extra dependable knowledge to know the dimensions of mental health challenges in Niger State. Existing facility data and programme targets don’t give us the whole image.”
He mentioned 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 results may prolong to households, faculties, workplaces and communities.
He additionally burdened that increasing entry to care would require sufficient funding, skilled personnel, important medicines the place clinically indicated and practical referral methods.
“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 mentioned.
The commissioner urged residents to reject stigmatisation and discrimination in opposition to folks experiencing mental health circumstances, calling for larger compassion and assist for these looking for skilled assist.
He mentioned 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 dwelling with mental health circumstances knowledgeable insurance policies and programmes affecting their well-being.
Bagana referred to as for stronger collaboration amongst faculties, conventional and spiritual leaders, civil society organisations, improvement 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 assist sustained public schooling and collective motion to make sure that folks dwelling with mental health circumstances obtained well timed, dignified and acceptable care.
