RismadarVoice Reporters
October 15, 2026
A mental healthcare organisation, Mindsplace, has called on the Federal Government to decriminalise attempted suicide and strengthen access to mental health services across Nigeria.
The organisation argued that individuals experiencing suicidal crises should receive medical attention, psychological support and appropriate treatment rather than face criminal prosecution.
Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Mindsplace, Eniola Bello, appealed to the third edition of The Awakening Summit, organised to commemorate World Mental Health Day in Lagos.
The event, themed “Let It Out: The Power of Being Heard,” brought together mental health professionals, advocates, human resources managers, entrepreneurs and students to discuss emotional wellbeing, workplace pressures and access to psychological support.
Bello urged the Federal Government to fully implement the National Mental Health Act, particularly provisions relating to the establishment of the Department of Mental Health Services and the Mental Health Fund.
She also called for mental healthcare to be integrated into primary healthcare facilities nationwide, alongside increased investment in the training and retention of psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors.
According to her, treating attempted suicide primarily as a criminal matter could discourage people experiencing severe psychological distress from seeking professional assistance.
She maintained that government policies should prioritise early intervention, accessible treatment and supportive environments where individuals can discuss mental health challenges without fear of discrimination.
Bello further urged authorities to ensure transparency in the administration of public funds allocated to mental healthcare.
Nigeria’s National Mental Health Act, enacted in January 2023, established a legal framework for protecting the rights of people with mental health conditions and improving access to mental health services.
The legislation replaced an older legal framework and provides for community-based mental healthcare, institutional coordination and dedicated funding mechanisms.
However, concerns have persisted over the implementation of several provisions of the law.
A 2025 analysis published in the Nigerian Health Journal indicated that federal mental health allocations increased from ₦23.33 billion in 2021 to ₦88.24 billion in 2025.
Despite the increase in nominal allocations, mental health’s share of the federal health budget reportedly declined from 3.67 per cent to 3.12 per cent during the same period.
The figures have raised questions about whether existing financial commitments are sufficient to address Nigeria’s mental healthcare needs.
Beyond government intervention, Bello encouraged employers, educational institutions, families and communities to establish supportive environments where people experiencing emotional difficulties can seek assistance.
Discussions at the summit examined the challenges of speaking openly about mental health, particularly in workplaces where employees may fear stigma or negative professional consequences.
The programme featured presentations, personal experience discussions and a workplace wellness session examining the relationship between organisational culture, psychological safety and employee wellbeing.
Participants also viewed All About the Numbers, a Nigerian short film exploring workplace burnout, unhealthy organisational practices and their effects on mental wellbeing.
The summit was organised in collaboration with Serenity Sisterhood Initiatives, with support from Buy Power.
Mindsplace said its mental healthcare programmes, community initiatives and telepsychiatry services have reached more than 500,000 people since it began operations in 2014.
The organisation reaffirmed its call for stronger mental health legislation implementation, increased funding and wider access to professional care, stressing that people experiencing psychological crises should receive timely support and treatment.
