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Summary
NAFDAC has called for stronger regulation of psychotropic drugs and better access to safe mental health treatment in Nigeria to address a growing mental health crisis and rising suicide rates.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has called for stronger regulation of psychotropic and antidepressant medicines to improve access to safe mental health treatment. The agency also warned that Nigeria faces a severe shortage of mental health professionals.
Currently, only about 300 psychiatrists serve the country’s population of over 200 million.
Speaking at the 3rd Vanguard Mental Health Summit in Lagos, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the Director of Narcotics and Controlled Substances, Dr Ramatu Momodu, said weak regulation, limited access to quality medicines, and rising drug misuse are deepening Nigeria’s mental health crisis.
She noted that Nigeria records an estimated 16,000 suicide deaths annually, with suicide being one of the leading causes of death among young people aged 15 to 29.
She also emphasised that strong regulation is crucial for restoring public trust, ensuring that only approved and safe medicines reach the public, and preventing drug misuse.
Professor Mojisola highlighted that NAFDAC’s oversight of narcotics and psychotropic substances is aimed not only at compliance but at saving lives.
The NAFDAC DG called for tighter inter-agency collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Federal Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation, and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, faster approval of WHO-prequalified psychotropic drugs, and expanded digital surveillance of medicine sales. She also emphasised the importance of public education to reduce stigma and promote mental health as a basic human right.
“When we build trust in our systems, we build hope in our people. Mental health is a basic human right that every Nigerian is entitled to,” Prof Mojisola said.
