Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly approved a Mental Health Services Department bill on Tuesday, April 7, turning the proposal into law. The legislation aims to regulate and enhance mental health care throughout the state.
The bill was introduced after Hon. Moses Essien, chairman of the House Committee on Health, presented a report to the plenary. Essien stated the law would create a coordinated framework for mental health services, protect the rights of individuals with intellectual, psychosocial and cognitive disabilities, and expand access to quality care, rehabilitation and community‑based treatment.
Key elements of the act include procedures for obtaining consent before treatment, authority for the Commissioner for Health to issue necessary regulations, and the repeal of the colonial‑era Lunacy Law of 1916. Essien praised Speaker Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong and fellow legislators for their support and urged adoption of the committee's recommendations.
Following debate, the House moved to a Committee of the Whole for clause‑by‑clause review, adopted the report and passed the bill through third reading. The motion for adoption was moved by Hon. Jerry Otu, seconded by Hon. Prince Aniefiok Attah, after which Speaker Otong directed Clerk Mrs. Nsiakak‑Abasi Orok to forward the resolution to the Governor for assent. The bill had cleared second reading on March 10, 2026, and a public hearing was held on March 23, 2026, to gather stakeholder input.
The repeal of the 1916 Lunacy Law by the newly passed act marks a decisive break from antiquated mental health policy, a move championed by Speaker Udeme Otong. This legal overhaul could pave the way for more humane treatment standards and better access to services for Nigerians living with mental health challenges across the country.
