Concerned that the extent of psychological suffering in the state is not adequately reflected in the records of current health facilities, the Niger State Government has made the integration of mental healthcare into basic health centers a top goal.
Insecurity, displacement, family issues, and drug-related issues were all noted by the state administration as contributing reasons to community mental health issues.
During a briefing to commemorate World Mental Health Day in 2026, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, the Commissioner for Health, revealed this through Dr. Abdullahi Imam, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.
Bagana said that by including mental health treatments within primary healthcare, residents—especially those with limited access to specialised facilities—would have easier access to basic examinations, counselling, and referral services.
“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 specialised facilities,” he stated.
The commissioner noted that current facility records and program targets did not give a whole picture and admitted that the state required more trustworthy data to assess the scope of mental health issues.
“We need more trustworthy data to understand the scope of mental health challenges in Niger State,” he said. The full picture is not provided by the facility records and program goals that are currently in place.
He noted that while the government was trying to improve regular reporting and community-level assessments, mental health services had been documented at the State Social Rehabilitation Center and the Federal Medical Center, Bida.
Bagana warned that the impacts could spread to families, schools, workplaces, and communities, citing insecurity, displacement, family issues, and substance-related issues as causes of psychological distress.
Additionally, he emphasised that increasing access to care would necessitate sufficient funds, qualified staff, necessary medications when clinically indicated, and efficient referral mechanisms.
“If we are to improve access to appropriate care, we must invest in trained mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, and counsellors,” he stated.
The commissioner called for more empathy and support for those seeking professional assistance and asked locals to reject stigmatisation and prejudice against persons with mental health disorders.
According to him, the 2026 World Mental Health Day theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” emphasised the necessity of making sure that programs and policies that impact the wellbeing of those with mental health issues are guided by their experiences.
In order to increase knowledge and access to mental healthcare, Bagana urged greater cooperation between schools, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, development partners, and families.
In order to guarantee that individuals with mental health disorders received prompt, adequate, and dignified care, the commissioner then asked stakeholders to support ongoing public education and teamwork.